Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged Nigerians to unite in the spirit of patriotism and shared responsibility to move the country forward, as the nation marked its 65th Independence Anniversary.
According to a statement issued by the Information Officer, Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, James Sani, Governor Ododo made the call in a message during the Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Muhammed Yahaya, the Governor described the day as a moment of reflection on Nigeria’s struggles, unity, and boundless potential.
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He stressed that the task of nation-building cannot be left to government alone and that it requires the active participation of all citizens.
“The theme of today’s celebration, ‘All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,’ is both a call to action and a reminder of our responsibility. Nation-building is not the task of government alone; it is the collective duty of every citizen, young and old, men and women, leaders and followers “, he further emphasised.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the President’s bold reforms are repositioning the country for growth and stability.
The Governor highlighted his administration’s alignment with the national agenda, citing investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security.
While expresssing optimism that Kogi would continue to serve as a model of unity and resilience in the federation, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities in sports, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership for youths in the State.
According to him, Nigerian youths are not just the future of the country but the driving force of its present progress.
“As we celebrate 65 years of independence, let us resolve that in unity, honesty, and service, we will all put our hands on deck to build the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development in the state.
He described the 65th Independence anniversary as a milestone that calls for renewed patriotism, especially among young people.
“Our youths remain central to Nigeria’s progress, and in Kogi State, His Excellency has continued to create platforms for them to excel. This celebration is a reminder that the strength of our nation lies in the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of our young people.”
Hon. Anyebe pledged the ministry’s continued support in aligning with the Governor’s vision of promoting youth development, sports, and innovation as tools for nation-building.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Olarotimi Ajayi of the Federal University, Lokoja, reflected on the meaning of independence and Nigeria’s post-independence challenges.
He urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and freedom fighters who laid the foundation for self-rule.
“If you doubt what independence means, try to be in bondage for one minute. Visit the prison yards and see those whose freedoms are restrained by law, or those incapacitated who cannot move even when they desire to. As a nation, we have every cause to be grateful for the freedom we enjoy since 1960,” Prof. Ajayi said.
He traced Nigeria’s political journey from the nationalist movement through the first republic, highlighting challenges such as electoral disputes, census controversies, and intra-party crises that destabilized the nation. According to him, many of the political struggles seen today have their roots in the immediate post-independence era.
“Freedom came with its own encumbrances, but even with the crises and the military interventions that followed, the resilience of Nigerians has kept democracy alive. Even the worst civilian dispensation is better than military rule,” the scholar emphasised.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, congratulated Nigerians on the 65th Independence anniversary while commending the Ministry of Youth and Sports for organizing the event.
He described education as the most vital tool for positioning citizens to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
“All hands must be on deck for a greater Nigeria. But it is not enough to just put the hand on deck, it must be placed in the right direction. Without education, it will be difficult to know where and how to contribute. That is why as we celebrate today, we must also emphasize knowledge and patriotism ” he further added.
He also condoled with families affected by the tragic boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government, which claimed several lives on the eve of the celebration, describing it as a sad reminder of the challenges facing riverine communities.
“No one is going to build this country for us. We are not going to borrow hands to put on that deck. It is still going to be our own hands that must work for the greatness of Nigeria.”
The Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ali Bello, who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr. Kikpoyi Karibo, in his message, urged Nigerians especially the youth to adopt a positive mindset towards nation-building.
“You get negativity if you bring negativity; you get positivity if you bring positivity. We all need to become ambassadors of our great nation because 65 years is not a child’s play. We have come of age. But it depends on every single one of us.”
Alhaji Bello noted that Nigeria’s youth population remains the most active and mobile segment of society, and their actions significantly shape the nation.
“If we need a better country, as young people, we have to understand that it starts from us. We must make ourselves responsible citizens first, before demanding change from the system.”
Also delivering goodwill messages, representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, and the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Committee (NANS JCC), congratulated Nigerians on the independence milestone and called for greater inclusion of youths in governance and policy-making.
They pledged continued support for the state government’s youth development initiatives and urged young Nigerians to take ownership of nation-building through constructive engagement, innovation, and unity.
Highlight of the programme was a panel discussion anchored by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Women Mobilization, Hon. Charity Ijese, which brought together stakeholders who brainstormed on the role of young people in national development.
The celebration climaxed with the cutting of the anniversary cake in honour of Nigeria’s 65 years of independence.
