As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, called on citizens to rise above personal interests and embrace sacrifice, unity, and patriotism in the collective effort to build a stronger nation.
In her message titled “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation”, Senator Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to shift their focus from what the country can offer to what they, as citizens, can contribute to its growth and development. She stressed that true nation-building requires commitment and shared responsibility from every individual, not just government leaders.
The First Lady drew inspiration from historical voices of wisdom, quoting Lebanese-American philosopher Khalil Gibran’s 1925 essay The New Frontier and echoing the famous words of former United States President John F. Kennedy, who in his 1961 inaugural address challenged Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” She said those timeless calls to action still hold deep relevance for Nigeria today, particularly at a time when the nation grapples with multiple challenges but also holds immense potential.
According to Senator Tinubu, Nigeria’s progress depends not only on policy reforms and leadership decisions but also on the willingness of citizens to play their part in shaping the country’s destiny. She described sacrifice as an essential ingredient in building a better society, insisting that the burden of creating a prosperous Nigeria cannot rest solely on government institutions but must be shared by every individual.
“Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain,” the First Lady declared in her Independence Day address.
Her remarks come at a time when national conversations are dominated by concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and the struggle for social justice. Yet, Senator Tinubu emphasised that collective commitment and personal sacrifice remain the surest paths to overcoming these obstacles and moving Nigeria toward the vision of greatness.
She urged Nigerians to look beyond differences of ethnicity, religion, and political affiliation and instead focus on the common dream of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation. By calling for selflessness and unity of purpose, she underscored the need for renewed patriotism that reflects in the daily actions of citizens across all walks of life.
The First Lady’s message formed part of broader Independence Day reflections, with her appeal serving as both a reminder of Nigeria’s enduring struggles and a rallying cry for citizens to embrace their role in shaping the country’s future.
