By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has described Nigeria as a nation rising beyond challenges.

Nwoko made this known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary on Oct. 1.

Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, said 65 years after independence, Nigeria remains a work in progress. A story of resilience, promise, and determination.

“Ours is a nation that has survived turbulence, overcome setbacks, and yet continues to stand as Africa’s most powerful voice.

“Nigeria at 65 must choose to lead, not as a country of wasted potential, but as a nation that transforms its wealth into wellbeing for its people.

“We must secure our communities, empower our youth, modernise our infrastructure, and build institutions that outlive individuals.

“We must insist that no Nigerian is left behind. Not the farmer in the village, not the entrepreneur in the city, not the vulnerable in need of support.”

The lawmaker, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, also said that the 2025 anniversary was more than a ritual commemoration.

“It is a call to renew our sense of duty to one another and to the generations ahead.

Nwoko also said the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu is encouraging local production over reckless imports and investment in social interventions.

“These are bold beginnings that must be sustained with consistency and urgency,” he said.

He also commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

According to him, the vice president’s call for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council, sovereign debt relief, fair access to trade and financing, equity in resource ownership, and closing the digital divide so that “AI means Africa Included” captures the very essence of Nigeria’s place in the world.

“These are not abstract declarations, they are the lived realities that define our struggle as a nation.”

Nwoko added that in the senate, his motions and bills have been guided by these same convictions that justice must be pursued, whether through reparations for historical wrongs or reconciliation for national tragedies.

“Dignity must be guaranteed, whether through attaining veto power at the UN security council, the establishment of a National Social Security Agency or by ensuring healthcare and education reforms that work for Nigerians at home.

“Sovereignty must be protected, whether by stopping crude oil theft, ending gas flaring, or reclaiming control over our mineral wealth.

“Opportunities must be created, whether through youth entrepreneurship, diaspora voting, indigenous participation in mining, or the expansion of our digital economy.

“Our journey is far from finished. But if we keep faith with one another, strengthen collaboration between the executive and legislature, and place people at the centre of our policies, then this decade can be the turning point when Nigeria moves from survival to greatness.

“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. The struggle continues, but so does the hope.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza