Nigeria has finished making sacrifices, peace and development will return, tinubu says

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is on the right path, saying the nation has “finished making sacrifices” and that peace and development will return.

Tinubu gave the assurance in a message delivered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, during a special prayer session marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday.

Abbas, who represented the President at the event, urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the challenges confronting the country, saying the sacrifices made over the years would ultimately yield a better Nigeria.

“I want to categorically make it clear that Nigeria is on the right path. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Nigeria has finished making sacrifices for this country to be great again,” Abbas quoted the President as saying.

Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians had experienced but said the country’s 66 years of nationhood had also been characterised by growth, resilience and significant achievements.

According to him, Nigeria has matured as a nation and must build on the lessons of its journey since independence.

“Any person of 66 years cannot be called a child anymore. Nigeria has become mature, even though when we reflect on the journey from independence to date, Nigeria was bedevilled with a lot of issues in the past, and opportunities as well,” he said.

Abbas said the President’s message was aimed at restoring confidence among Nigerians and encouraging citizens to remain committed to the country despite the prevailing difficulties.

“My message to the country on behalf of Mr President, the Senate President and all members of the National Assembly is that people should not lose hope.

“Peace is coming back to this country, development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy,” he said.

The Speaker said Nigeria’s democratic journey remained critical to addressing longstanding challenges, strengthening institutions and creating conditions for sustainable development.

He urged Nigerians to give the government’s policies and programmes time to deliver, noting that some of the challenges confronting the country had accumulated over several years.

Abbas also said the National Assembly would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening democracy, improving security, promoting economic development and enhancing the welfare of citizens.

He stressed that nation-building could not be left to government alone, calling for greater unity and citizen participation in the development of the country.

The Speaker urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to reflect on the nation’s journey, acknowledge its achievements and setbacks, and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and united country.

The prayer session was attended by dignitaries and Muslim faithful, who offered prayers for peace, stability and continued development in Nigeria.