Obi Calls for National Reflection as Nigeria Marks 66th Independence Anniversary
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for honest national reflection on Nigeria’s development, urging leaders and citizens to reassess the country’s progress and chart a clear path towards sustainable growth.
Obi made the call in his Independence Day address to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, stressing that the occasion should go beyond celebrations to provide an opportunity to confront the country’s challenges and redefine its development priorities.
He said every serious nation must continually ask three fundamental questions: where it is today, where it wants to be and how it intends to get there.
The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over what he described as worsening poverty, insecurity, unemployment, hunger and other socio-economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
Obi cited figures indicating that more than 140 million Nigerians are living in poverty, alongside a high number of out-of-school children and unemployed youths, describing the situation as a major concern for the country’s future.
He also highlighted challenges relating to food security, inflation, life expectancy and drug abuse, calling for urgent and deliberate measures to address them.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s difficulties are not due to a shortage of human or natural resources but stem largely from the failure to translate the country’s abundant potential into improved living conditions for its citizens.
He called for purposeful national planning and a clear development strategy, urging the country to move beyond commemorating independence to building a nation that guarantees greater opportunities, security and prosperity for its people.
Obi also acknowledged the contributions of past and present leaders, paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and others whose sacrifices helped secure the country’s independence and contributed to its survival and development.
He urged Nigerians to use the anniversary as an opportunity to renew their commitment to national unity, responsible leadership and a future where the country’s resources translate into tangible benefits for its citizens.
