Jonathan hails Nigerians for their national loyalty as Nigeria turns 63

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised Nigerians for their loyalty and commitment to the nation, despite the challenges and difficulties it has faced since gaining independence from Britain 63 years ago. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, on the occasion of the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, Jonathan urged Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain focused on the task of building a more prosperous and united country.

Jonathan said that the anniversary was an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey of nationhood, celebrate its achievements, learn from its mistakes, and chart a way forward for a brighter future. He noted that the country had witnessed progress as well as setbacks, but patriotic Nigerians had always stood firm, sharing in the glory of successes and feeling the pain of missed opportunities.

He acknowledged that there might be a sense of disappointment among some segments of the population, especially the youths, with the nation’s unfulfilled aspirations over the years, but he advised them not to despair but to look back at the encouraging signs that set the tone for an auspicious future and the promise that the country could attain its growth and development goals.

He said that the country had survived a civil war, pulled through economic downturns at different times, and had continued to hold its ground against threatening socio-political challenges, leveraging the indomitable spirit that guided the nationalists to remain steadfast and focused. He said that this was the same spirit that today strengthened the citizens and enlivened their spirit and hope against the menace of terrorism, insecurity, economic hardship, and the worsening effects of climate change.

He added that it was the spirit that pushed Nigerians to excel on the global stage in sports, medicine, music, the arts, technology, and scholarship. He said, “As we mark yet another independence anniversary, we should focus our energy towards enthroning equity, justice, peace, and national cohesion in order to bring to fruition the dream of Nigeria realising its full potential and holding up the torch of liberty and progress for all Africans.