“Nigeria’s Independence Must Translate Into Dignity, Opportunity and Justice for All”
Abuja | 1 October 2026
As Nigeria marks her 66th Independence Anniversary, Elder OMA Unekwuojo (JP), popularly known as Mecus, extends warm felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, calling for renewed patriotism, unity, responsible citizenship and an unwavering commitment to building a better Nigeria.
Elder Unekwuojo, a former aspirant for the Kogi East Senatorial District seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said the anniversary should go beyond ceremonies and celebrations to provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect deeply on the meaning of independence and the responsibilities that come with nationhood.
Nigeria attained independence on 1 October 1960 and is today marking 66 years of sovereignty. The anniversary, he said, is both a celebration of the nation’s journey and an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project.
According to him:
“Independence is not simply about the freedom to govern ourselves. It is also about our collective responsibility to build a country where every citizen can live with dignity, security, justice and hope.”
Elder Unekwuojo said his participation in the political process, including his aspiration to represent the people of Kogi East in the Senate, has further strengthened his conviction that citizens must remain actively engaged in the affairs of their communities and nation.
He stressed that political participation should not begin and end with elections.
“Whether one occupies political office or not, the responsibility to contribute to nation building remains. Leadership is a continuing commitment to the people.”
He therefore urged Nigerians to cultivate a culture of constructive political engagement, accountability, tolerance and respect for democratic institutions, while encouraging citizens to demand responsible representation at every level of government.
Elder Unekwuojo also called attention to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians, including the need for greater economic opportunity, food security, employment, quality education, effective healthcare, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and meaningful empowerment of young people and women.
He said Nigeria possesses enormous human and natural resources and that the nation’s future depends largely on how effectively those resources are harnessed for the common good.
“We must build a Nigeria in which our young people can dream and achieve, our farmers can produce and prosper, our entrepreneurs can create wealth and employment, and every Nigerian can look into the future with confidence.”
He further appealed to Nigerians to resist ethnic, religious and political divisions and to recognise the strength that can come from the country’s diversity.
“Our diversity should never become a reason to hate one another. It should be a foundation upon which we build a stronger and more united Nigeria.”
The former Kogi East Senate aspirant also called for greater attention to grassroots development, noting that the true measure of national progress should ultimately be reflected in the quality of life experienced by citizens in rural communities as well as urban centres.
He encouraged Nigerian youths not to withdraw from public affairs, but to participate constructively in civic, economic and political processes.
“The Nigeria of tomorrow belongs to today’s citizens, but particularly to our young people. They must not surrender their future to apathy. They must participate, question, innovate, lead and contribute.”
Elder Unekwuojo expressed hope that Nigeria’s next chapter would be defined by stronger institutions, responsible leadership, active citizenship and a renewed commitment to national development.
He concluded:
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us renew our faith in Nigeria and, more importantly, renew our commitment to Nigeria. The task of building the country we desire belongs to all of us.”
He wished Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Independence Anniversary and prayed for peace, prosperity, justice and progress across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
HAPPY 66TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, NIGERIA!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Elder OMA Unekwuojo (JP)
AKA MECUS
