The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to use the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary to reflect on its development, challenges and future direction.
Obi made the call in his Independence Day message, where he said the anniversary should go beyond celebration and provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the country’s progress and determine the path toward sustainable development.
According to the former Anambra State governor, every serious nation must continually ask itself three fundamental questions: where it is, where it wants to be and how it intends to get there.
Obi expressed concern over the socio-economic conditions confronting Nigerians, citing poverty, insecurity, unemployment, hunger and other challenges affecting the country.
He also raised concerns about food security, inflation, life expectancy, drug abuse and the growing number of out-of-school children and unemployed youths.
Obi said Nigeria’s difficulties could not be attributed to a lack of human or natural resources, arguing that the major challenge was the country’s inability to effectively transform its abundant resources into improved living conditions for its citizens.
He therefore called for purposeful national planning and the implementation of a clear and sustainable development strategy that would create greater opportunities, security and prosperity for Nigerians.
The NDC presidential candidate said the country must move beyond merely commemorating its independence and focus on building a nation capable of meeting the aspirations of its citizens.
He also acknowledged the contributions of past and present leaders, while paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and others who made sacrifices toward the country’s independence, survival and development.
Obi urged Nigerians to remain committed to building a better nation as the country marks its 66th year of independence.
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