By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has said With renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead.
Akume made this assertion during a pre-independence press briefing on Monday to commemorate independence celebration saying that: 
“At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead.
‘ Let all hands truly be on deck for a greater, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.
Read full text below;
“It is with great honour and joy that I welcome you to this Press Conference as we move into the climax of activities marking the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved country, Nigeria.2.
“Today, as we stand at the threshold of another historic milestone, it is important to remind ourselves that Independence Day is more than a ceremonial date on our national calendar.
“It is a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to the ideals of unity, peace, and progress which our founding fathers fought so valiantly to secure.
“Our journey from 1960 to this moment has been marked by triumphs and trials, moments of joy and of testing, but through it all, the Nigerian spirit has remained unbroken. We have endured challenges in governance, economy, security, and social cohesion.
“Our true strength lies in our capacity to consistently rise after every storm, to rebuild after every setback, and forge ahead with resilience and faith in our destiny as a great nation.4.
“This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme: “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”
“This theme is both a reminder and a charge. It reminds us that the responsibility of building a greater Nigeria is not the task of government alone, but a responsibility for every citizen comprising the youth and elder, men and women, public servants and private entrepreneurs, farmers and professionals, teachers, military and para-military, traders and artisans as well as those at home and in the diaspora.
“All hands must indeed be on deck for us to realize the Nigeria we envision which is a nation united in purpose, rich in diversity, and resolute in progress.5.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Renewed Hope Agenda has become the guiding framework for transforming Nigeria. It is an agenda that speaks to national rebirth, inclusivity, and sustainable progress thereby providing hope for our people, especially the youth who represent the future of this nation.
“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation plays a central coordinating role in translating this vision into reality.
“As the engine room of government, the office ensures policy coordination, inter-ministerial synergy, and effective implementation of the President’s priorities. Through our mandate, we provide the institutional backbone that drives programmes and initiatives designed to make the Renewed Hope Agenda not just a slogan, but a lived reality for Nigerians.7.
“Fellow Nigerians, we are all aware of the economic reforms initiated by this administration. They are bold, sometimes difficult, but necessary steps aimed at stabilizing our economy, restoring investor confidence, and laying a foundation for long-term growth.8.
“Already, we are witnessing positive results. Inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows are showing renewed interest, job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for our youth and social intervention programmes are being strengthened to cushion the effects of reforms on vulnerable groups.
“These gains, though modest, are a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course, and with perseverance, greater dividends will be realized.9.
“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to provide an update on the remaining programmes for the 65th Independence Anniversary:The Juma’at Service and the Interdenominational Church Service have already been successfully held, beginning the celebrations with prayers for peace, unity, and progress.Today, Monday, 29th September 2025 – we are gathered here for this Press Conference.
“The Grand Finale of the National Campus Debate, showcasing the brilliance, creativity, and patriotism of our students across the nation is scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday, 30th September 2025.Wednesday, 1st October 2025 – the Presidential Broadcast in the morning.10.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on our shared responsibility to build a greater nation. Government is playing its part; citizens too must play theirs.
“Let us put aside divisions and work together to achieve a Nigeria where opportunity is greater than despair, unity stronger than division, and peace stronger than conflict.11.
“I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his bold leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Executive Council to continue driving policy formulation and effective implementation for the good of our people.12.
“To the media, we owe deep appreciation for your invaluable role in shaping narratives, fostering unity, and growing our democracy.13.
“At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead. Let all hands truly be on deck for a greater, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.God bless you all.God bless Nigeria.
