By Yusuf Bello
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and patriotic as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Yilwatda, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, unity and enduring faith of citizens in the country.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians but said the country had repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to overcome adversity and move forward.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a difficult economic situation and embarked on fundamental reforms to address longstanding structural distortions.
He listed the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, monetary and fiscal measures, and efforts to attract investment as some of the steps taken by the administration.
The APC chairman admitted that the reforms had imposed significant short-term sacrifices on Nigerians but said there were measurable signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.
Yilwatda cited World Bank data showing that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, while gross foreign reserves reached $51.9 billion at the end of July.
He also pointed to developments in the energy sector, investment, digital economy and social protection as indications that the reform programme was moving beyond economic stabilisation towards structural transformation.
He said the ultimate objective should be an economy capable of creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthening businesses, improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life of families.
“We acknowledge the progress that has been recorded and, more importantly, recognise that the work is not finished. Economic stabilisation will now translate more rapidly into improved household incomes, employment, food security and greater opportunities for our people,” he said.
Yilwatda stressed that democracy must ultimately translate into improved living conditions for citizens, adding that political leadership must remain accountable to the people.
He assured that the APC would continue to support policies aimed at promoting economic growth, national security, social inclusion, investment and institutional development.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the APC chairman urged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process and assess the records, policies, programmes and future plans of political parties and candidates.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s human resources, natural endowments and entrepreneurial capacity to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
Yilwatda called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and patriotic, saying the challenges confronting the country should not overshadow its potential.
“On this 66th Independence Anniversary, let us celebrate Nigeria, believe in Nigeria and continue to work together for the Nigeria we all desire. Our best days are still ahead of us.
“The task before us is to ensure that the reforms and sacrifices of today translate into lasting prosperity and opportunity for generations yet unborn.”
He wished Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, stability, prosperity and unity across the country.
