By Gloria Ikibah
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, assuring them that Nigeria is on the right path towards recovery, peace and sustainable development.
The President delivered the message through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, who represented him at a special prayer session to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Friday. 
Speaking to journalists after the prayer session, Speaker Abbas conveyed the President’s message of hope while acknowledging the difficulties Nigeria had faced since independence.
He said the 66 years of nationhood should be seen as a period of growth and maturity, despite the setbacks, challenges and missed opportunities recorded along the way.
“Any person of 66 years cannot be called a child anymore. Nigeria has become mature, even though when we reflect on the journey from independence to date, Nigeria was bedevilled with a lot of issues in the past, and opportunities as well.
“We thank Almighty God for granting us life and peace for us to witness this very historic event today.
“I want to categorically make it clear that Nigeria is on the right path. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Nigeria has finished making sacrifices for this country to be great again,” he said.
The Speaker said the President’s message was particularly focused on encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the country’s progress.
According to him, the challenges confronting the nation could be overcome through sustained efforts and collective commitment.
“My message to the country on behalf of Mr President, the Senate President and all members of the National Assembly, is that people should not lose hope.
“Peace is coming back to this country, development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy,” he added.
The Speaker further stated that Nigeria’s democratic journey had provided an opportunity for the country to confront longstanding challenges and strengthen institutions capable of supporting sustainable development.
He therefore urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the future, stressing that achieving greater peace and development would require patience, unity and continued commitment to democratic governance.
Abbas also urged citizens to pay attention to the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, saying the government was working to address challenges that had accumulated over the years.
According to him, the administration’s reforms and programmes required time and sustained commitment to produce their intended results.
He urged Nigerians to support ongoing initiatives and efforts aimed at consolidating the gains of the administration.
The Speaker said the National Assembly will continue to support measures designed to strengthen democracy, promote economic development, improve security and enhance the welfare of citizens.
He also called for greater national unity, as he said, the task of building a better Nigeria could not be left to government alone.
According to him, citizens also have a role to play through their participation and commitment to the country’s development.
Speaker Abbas also urged Nigerians to use the 66th Independence Anniversary to reflect on the nation’s journey, acknowledge progress made, learn from past challenges and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and united country.
The special prayer session was attended by dignitaries and Muslim faithful who offered prayers for peace, stability and continued development in Nigeria.
