By Grace Abe
The Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mrs Hulayat Omidiran, has urged Nigerians to renew their faith in Nigeria.
Omidiran made the call in her message to Nigerians on Thursday to commemorate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The FCC chairman described Oct. 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying it was an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey.
She urged Nigerians to acknowledge the country’s progress and challenges while renewing their collective determination to build an inclusive nation.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us.”
“Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
Omidiran said every Nigerian deserved to feel a sense of belonging and have a role to play in the country’s development.
“Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
She said Nigerians’ differences should never be greater than their common identity as citizens of the country.
The FCC chairman urged Nigerians to continue choosing unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair.
“The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
She said the Federal Character Principle remained particularly important to national cohesion because equitable representation promoted ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
Omidiran urged government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance.
She reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to effectively discharging its constitutional mandate and supporting equitable representation across the federation.
The former lawmaker also urged young Nigerians to pursue knowledge, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures.
She described youths as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s future and expressed optimism that the anniversary would strengthen national unity.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone.”
“It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation.”
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
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