Nigerians Urged Not To Lose Hope As Independence Day Nears

News Update

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, saying the country’s difficult period of sacrifice is gradually coming to an end.

Tinubu spoke ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day anniversary on October 1, 2026. He was represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at the Independence Day Juma’at prayer held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday.

Abbas delivered the President’s message, saying Nigeria may not yet be where it should be, but the country is on what the administration describes as a path towards greater development.

The President also urged citizens to support the ongoing government reforms, saying efforts are being made to correct what he described as mistakes and missed opportunities from the past.

“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,” Abbas said while delivering Tinubu’s message.

Abbas also appealed to Nigerians to give Tinubu a second chance to complete the work his administration has started, while saying the country’s period of sacrifice would lead to a better future.

The Federal Government has planned a low-key celebration for the 66th Independence anniversary, with activities including religious services, a public lecture and a nationwide broadcast by President Tinubu on October 1.