The Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Sen. Ken Eze, and the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement, South-East, Barr. Chioma Nweze, have commended Nigerians for their resilience, patriotism and continued commitment to national development despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
In separate messages to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the two Ebonyi-born public figures also felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and Nigerians, particularly the people of Ebonyi State, urging citizens to sustain peace, unity and constructive engagement in the task of nation-building.
Eze said Nigeria’s journey under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda reflected ongoing efforts to address structural challenges, stimulate economic growth, expand infrastructure and strengthen human capital development.
He said: “As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, we must acknowledge the resilience of our people and their unwavering belief in the Nigerian project.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda has continued to focus on rebuilding the economy, expanding infrastructure, strengthening agriculture, improving education and healthcare, and creating opportunities for citizens.”
The senator also commended the Federal Government for infrastructure interventions across the South-East, noting that road construction and rehabilitation, bridges, public facilities, healthcare infrastructure and educational projects had the potential to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the region.
He particularly identified human capital development as critical to sustainable national growth, citing scholarships, youth empowerment programmes, skills acquisition initiatives and educational support schemes as measures capable of equipping Nigerians for greater productivity and self-reliance.
Eze further commended Governor Nwifuru for what he described as sustained investments in peace, infrastructure, education, healthcare and human capital development under the People’s Charter of Needs.
According to him, efforts to consolidate peace in formerly troubled communities, alongside investments in roads, specialised universities and other strategic projects, underscore the relationship between stability, purposeful leadership and development.
He, however, called for greater collaboration between governments and citizens, stressing that sustainable development could not be achieved by government alone.
“Governments at all levels must deepen inclusive development, translate policies into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens and prioritise job creation and improved living standards.
“Nigerians, particularly our people in the South-East, must also protect the peace, support constructive engagement and participate actively in building a united and prosperous nation,” he said.
On her part, Nweze urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to peace, unity, responsible citizenship and shared prosperity, while commending President Tinubu for what she described as significant interventions in the South-East.
She cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, student financing and housing interventions as examples of projects and programmes she said reflected the Federal Government’s development priorities.
Nweze said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda had placed emphasis on economic recovery, infrastructure development, investment and improved welfare, adding that the South-East had continued to benefit from federal interventions.
She also commended the President’s attention to workers’ welfare, saying improved salaries and working conditions had demonstrated the administration’s concern for the wellbeing of Nigerian workers.
According to her, continued investment in infrastructure and security would create a more conducive environment for businesses, investment and community development across the South-East.
Nweze said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would have wider socioeconomic implications for communities along its corridor.
“I am amazed that every road, every place is being opened up. This will give our women the opportunity of getting to hospital without giving birth on the road. It will make our farmers able to bring their food to town to sell,” she said.
She added that the highway would reconnect communities across the South-East and adjoining states while reviving historical trade routes and facilitating greater economic interaction.
Both Eze and Nweze urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and recommit themselves to building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive nation.
Their messages came as President Tinubu, in his 66th Independence Day address, said Nigeria had endured successive economic and political challenges while expressing confidence in the country’s future and calling on citizens to move forward with renewed hope.
The Federal Government has also said recent reforms were intended to lay the foundation for sustained growth and shared prosperity, while acknowledging the economic difficulties experienced by citizens during the adjustment process.
Nweze, however, urged citizens to continue supporting peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement, while calling for sustained federal and sub-national efforts to translate development policies into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the two leaders expressed optimism that continued investments in infrastructure, human capital, security and economic development would strengthen the country’s prospects and deepen the benefits of nationhood for present and future generations.
