As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Her Excellency Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, has urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the values of love, peace, unity and progress while working collectively to build strong institutions that guarantee justice and inclusiveness.
In a press statement released by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs said the milestone provides not only an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s sovereignty but also a moment for sober reflection on the collective responsibility of all citizens in building the Nigeria of their dreams.
“Our founding fathers laid the foundation of a nation conceived in hope, bound by unity, and inspired by the pursuit of progress. Sixty-five years later, we must recommit to these values and strengthen the bonds of nationhood. It is also a time to commit to building strong institutions that guarantee equity, justice, and inclusiveness, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Orelope-Adefulire said.
She stressed that the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a guiding framework for achieving this vision, adding that more than ever before, Nigerians must rise above divisions and work together to achieve sustainable development.
“The Decade of Action demands that every Nigerian – government at all levels, the private sector, civil society, development partners, academia, the media, communities, and individuals – plays an active role in driving progress towards the SDGs. Together, we must accelerate investments, deepen collaboration, and expand innovations that will transform lives and secure a prosperous future for generations to come,” she said.
Orelope-Adefulire emphasised that Nigeria stands at a defining moment at 65, noting that the country’s true strength lies not in its differences but in its shared vision for peace, unity, and sustainable development.
She congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the occasion, while urging renewed commitment to building a nation where justice prevails, peace endures, and opportunities abound for all citizens.
“May the labours of our heroes past continue to inspire us. May we remain steadfast in love and unity. And may we, with unwavering resolve, build a nation that fulfils its great promise to its people and the world,” the statement concluded.
