Vice President Kashim Shettima said Thursday that Nigeria’s strength lies in the unity of its citizens and the resolve to sustain democracy in the country.
The Vice President said this in Abuja at the 63rd independence anniversary lecture and symposium.
He expressed optimism that the nation would surmount its challenges, stressing that a bright future lies ahead for the country.
“Our history has shown that Nigerians are too ambitious to be broken by temporary setbacks. We are going to emerge from this space of our reforms stronger; each of us with renewed hope as we honour the labour of our heroes past.
“As we reflect on the values and principles that have brought us this far; as we strive to excel in all that we do and as we work together towards a future where opportunities know no bounds. Let’s remember that our most potent weapon is the overriding resolve of the majority to choose unity over chaos as well as democracy over anarchy,” he said.
The Vice President said Nigeria’s strength has deferred the predictions of those who did not mean well for the country and would continue to grow from strength to strength.
He said all hands must be on deck to make the country work in the interest of the black race, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to rebuild the country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has undertaken to build a country where the economic independence of each citizen is guaranteed, where none of us has to depend on unspecified handouts to earn a living.
“Our history, like that of every nation, isn’t just a record of surviving attacks on our sovereign integrity and social welfare. Our history underscores the commonality of our shared humanity.
“I love Nigeria and I believe in the Nigeria project, not because of my vested interest or because of my family. I believe in Nigeria because if Nigeria works, the black man works,” he said.
Also speaking, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr George Akume said the theme for the anniversary lecture was carefully chosen in tandem with the President’s desire to collaborate with other nations of the world to make life better for citizens.
“The theme for today’s symposium; ‘Actualizing the Vision of Renewed Hope for Socio- Economic Development Through Effective Leadership’ is intended to shed more light on critical areas of Nigeria’s socio-economic potentials that could be explored and developed through policies and programs enunciated by this administration,” he said.
