Barau hails Nigeria at 65, backs Tinubu’s reforms

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to remain steadfast in unity and extend full support to President Bola Tinubu as he implements his Renewed Hope Agenda.

His congratulatory message was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.

The Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960.

However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the traditional Independence Day parade would no longer be held.

In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the government explained that the cancellation “is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” stressing that all other activities lined up for the anniversary would still proceed.

Barau, however, encouraged Nigerians to look beyond prevailing challenges and rally around the President to ensure the success of his administration.

According to him, the impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms is gradually taking shape, while the country’s security situation has seen notable improvements in recent years.

Yes, at 65, we have some challenges facing us as a country, but we will overcome them. Our country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will emerge stronger from its present challenges, by God’s grace.

“Let us continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to actualise his policies and programmes as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He has good intentions for the country. We will get it right.

“As we celebrate the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved country, we must remember the enormous sacrifices made by our founding fathers: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, among others, and recommit ourselves to the ideals they stood for, including the promotion of national unity, peace, justice, and tolerance,” he added.

Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, assured that the legislature would continue to work in synergy with the executive arm to deliver policies and laws that promote good governance and sustainable development.