Jonathan made the address on Sunday in a series of tweets via his profile on X (formerly Twitter), in commemoration of the country’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary.
The former president wrote, “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.”
He advised the populace to renew their hope for a “greater tomorrow” while charting a path out of the present challenges that currently bedevil the nation’s development.
“It is now 63 years since our dear country got her independence from Britain. This commemoration offers us the opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s great journey of nationhood; acclaim our modest strides, reassess the odds we survived, chart a path out of present challenges and renew our hopes for a greater tomorrow.”
The statement added, “Our country has seen progress as well as setbacks. Patriotic Nigerians, believing in their country, have always stood firm, sharing in the glory of successes and feeling the pain of missed opportunities.
“If there is a sense of disappointment among our population, especially the youths, on the nation’s failed aspirations, over the years, it is not entirely out of place. Yet, rather than despair, we should look back at the encouraging signposts that set the tone for an auspicious future and the promise that we could attain our growth and development goals.”
He noted that the “indomitable spirit” that had guided the nation’s nationalists in their steadfastness is the same that has strengthened the citizens against terrorism and economic hardship, among others.
“Our nation survived a civil war, pulled through economic downturns and has continued to hold its ground against threatening socio-political challenges, leveraging that indomitable spirit that guided our nationalists to remain steadfast and focused.
“This is the same disposition that today strengthens our citizens and enlivens their spirit and hope against the menace of terrorism, insecurity, economic hardship and worsening effects of climate change.
“It is the spirit that pushes Nigerians to excel on the global stage in sports, medicine, music, arts, technology and scholarship.”
