As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Hon. Teejay Yusuf has called for urgent national action to address economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other challenges confronting the country.
Yusuf, in an Independence Day message, said Nigeria had come a long way since gaining independence but stressed that the country was still far from achieving its full potential.
He noted that millions of Nigerians were grappling with economic difficulties, rising insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and growing uncertainty about the future. 
According to him, the nation’s challenges must not be ignored or allowed to undermine confidence in Nigeria’s future.
“At 66, we must move beyond celebrating our independence to confronting the challenges before us with courage, honesty and determination,” he said.
Yusuf urged the government to translate Nigeria’s enormous human and natural resources into tangible benefits for citizens through job creation, improved security, stronger institutions and better infrastructure.
He also emphasised the need for collective responsibility, stressing that nation-building should not be left to government alone.
While calling on public officials to remain accountable, Yusuf urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their individual contributions to national development.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to overcome its challenges, citing the country’s vast resources, talented population and resilience.
“What we need is the collective will, purposeful leadership and national commitment to turn possibility into reality,” he said.
Yusuf further urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, calling for sustained efforts to address existing problems, strengthen institutions and build a better future for coming generations.
He said the 66th anniversary should serve as an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s progress and renew their commitment to building a nation that future generations would be proud of.
“We have endured enough. We must now build better. We have waited long enough. We must now act. The Nigeria we desire will not build itself. We must build it together,” he declared.
Yusuf concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary, praying for divine intervention to heal the country, strengthen its people, guide its leaders and restore peace, hope and prosperity.
