Nigeria @66: We Must Build the Nation We Owe Our Children, Uba Sani Says

…Expresses Confidence in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Governor Uba Sani kf Kaduna State has urged Nigerians to reject division and embrace shared sacrifice, responsible leadership and national unity, saying a better country can be built through collective determination.

In his 2026 Independence Day address, titled “Nigeria at 66: The Nation We Owe Our Children,” Sani said the anniversary should serve not only as a celebration of political freedom but also as a reminder of each generation’s responsibility to make independence meaningful to ordinary citizens.

He paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, saying their courage transformed the demand for self-rule into the sovereign nation Nigerians inherited. He urged citizens and leaders to preserve that legacy through service, accountability and patriotism.

Describing Nigeria as the world’s most populous black nation and a source of pride for Africa, the governor said the country’s cultural diversity, human capital and resilience could help it overcome its challenges and achieve lasting prosperity.

Sani also expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, commending the President’s efforts to convert Nigeria’s potential into opportunities that benefit households across the country.

He said the responsibility of leaders at all levels was to translate the nation’s promise into tangible improvements through expanded opportunities, economic growth and stronger public welfare.

The governor identified peace and security as essential to national development, noting that progress would remain impossible if farmers could not safely cultivate their land, traders could not operate freely and children could not attend school without fear.

He reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to working with the Federal Government and security agencies to protect lives and property and create conditions in which residents could pursue their aspirations with confidence.

Turning to national cohesion, Sani urged Nigerians to reject prejudice and ethnic and religious divisions, saying diversity should be treated as a source of strength rather than conflict.

“To the people of Kaduna State, I reaffirm an abiding conviction: our diversity is our strength, and our shared humanity must guide our relationships,” he said.

He cautioned against exploiting differences for political or sectional gain, stressing that mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and collective resolve were necessary to build a stronger Kaduna State and a more prosperous Nigeria.

Sani also called for renewed patriotism and civic responsibility, saying nation-building required sacrifice from citizens and leaders alike. He added that sacrifice could command public support only when leaders shared its burden and ensured that governance improved people’s lives.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the governor said democracy was meaningful only when citizens were heard, institutions earned public confidence and public service protected human dignity.

He said democracy should be judged not only by the conduct of elections but also by the security, opportunities and wellbeing it delivered.

Addressing public officials, Sani described public service as a sacred trust and said those entrusted with authority would ultimately answer to Almighty God for their actions.

“Let wisdom guide our decisions, integrity govern our conduct and compassion shape our priorities,” he said, urging officials to protect public resources and leave society better than they found it.

The governor said a new and better Nigeria remained achievable, arguing that reforms at the national and state levels showed meaningful progress was possible when leaders and citizens worked toward a common purpose.

He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, pray for peace, work for prosperity and strengthen the bonds of unity that sustain the country.

Sani wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for divine guidance, protection and strength as the nation pursued a future worthy of the sacrifices of its heroes and the trust of generations yet unborn.