As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary and Ebonyi State commemorates 30 years of its creation, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Barrister Tochukwu Ogalagu popularly known as T-man, has called for responsible leadership, accountability and result-oriented governance at all levels.
Ogalagu, in an anniversary message issued to mark the milestones on Thursday, urged Nigerians and Ebonyi residents to use the celebrations to reflect on the sacrifices, struggles and achievements that have shaped the country and the state, while renewing their commitment to building a more prosperous society.
The APGA candidate said the anniversaries should go beyond ceremonial celebrations, stressing that they should provide an opportunity for citizens and leaders alike to reassess their responsibilities towards national and community development.
He said Nigeria, at 66, remained a country with enormous human and economic potential, while Ebonyi, at 30, had demonstrated the resilience and determination of its people to overcome developmental challenges.
According to him, the next phase of development requires greater emphasis on education, healthcare, agriculture, enterprise development, youth employment, infrastructure and community security.
“The next chapter must be about service, accountability and results,” Ogalagu said, urging leaders to place the public interest at the centre of governance.
He also called on citizens to become more actively engaged in democratic processes, hold public institutions accountable and support initiatives capable of strengthening peaceful coexistence and economic development.
Ogalagu stressed the need for greater collaboration across political, religious, ethnic and generational divides, particularly in Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency.
“For the people of Ebonyi/Ohaukwu, this is a time to strengthen our collective voice and deepen our commitment to the development of our communities.
“Let us build bridges across political, religious, ethnic and generational lines and work together for an Ebonyi where every citizen has the opportunity to prosper,” he said.
The APGA candidate further urged young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities, saying their participation was critical to sustainable development.
He said the anniversary celebrations should renew citizens’ sense of duty and responsibility to the country and the state, rather than serve merely as occasions for festivities.
His call came as the Federal Government declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to promote unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
In Ebonyi, the 30th anniversary has also been marked with reflections on the state’s development trajectory, with Governor Francis Nwifuru describing peace, unity and collective determination as important assets in accelerating development.
Ogalagu said the responsibility for building a better Nigeria and a more prosperous Ebonyi should not be left exclusively to government, stressing that citizens, political actors, businesses, civil society organisations and community leaders all had roles to play.
“Nigeria’s future is a shared responsibility. Ebonyi’s progress is a collective assignment. The time to build, participate and serve is now,” he said.
He felicitated with Nigerians, the people of Ebonyi State and residents of Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency on the twin anniversaries, praying for continued peace, unity and prosperity across the country and the state.
