Former Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Chief Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, united and committed to the development of the country as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary.
Okiro, in his Independence Day message, acknowledged the economic and security challenges currently confronting the country but described them as temporary difficulties that Nigeria would overcome through unity, purposeful leadership and collective commitment.
The former police chief joined millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora in commemorating the nation’s independence, saying the occasion provided an opportunity to honour the country’s founding fathers and reflect on the journey since independence in 1960.
According to him, Nigeria’s founding heroes fought for freedom because they envisioned a united, strong and prosperous country where citizens would live with dignity and without oppression.
He said their sacrifices should continue to inspire present and future generations to preserve the country’s unity and work towards achieving the aspirations upon which the nation was founded.
Okiro acknowledged that Nigeria was currently passing through a difficult period, pointing to the high cost of living, insecurity in some parts of the country, youth unemployment and broader economic pressures affecting households and businesses.
He noted that the challenges were real and had placed considerable pressure on many Nigerians.
However, he urged citizens not to lose hope in the country, stressing that difficult periods in the history of nations were not necessarily permanent.
“These challenges are temporary. They are not permanent,” he said, urging Nigerians to maintain faith in the country’s future.
Okiro argued that virtually every great nation had experienced periods of economic, political or security difficulties before achieving stability and sustainable development.
He said what distinguished successful nations was not the absence of challenges but the determination of their citizens to confront difficulties without abandoning their country.
Drawing from his experience as a former Inspector-General of Police, Okiro said his years of leading security personnel through difficult circumstances had taught him the importance of unity of purpose, responsible leadership and public support.
He maintained that no challenge was insurmountable when government, security institutions and citizens worked together towards clearly defined national objectives.
Okiro therefore appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the country while contributing constructively to national development.
He particularly urged citizens to keep faith in Nigeria, stressing that the country remained richly endowed with human and natural resources and possessed a population known for its resilience, creativity and determination.
“Nigeria will not fail,” he declared, expressing confidence in the country’s ability to overcome its present difficulties.
The former IGP also called on Nigerians to support political leaders at all levels of government.
He specifically urged citizens to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as governors, local government leaders and other public officials, through prayers, patience and constructive engagement.
According to him, nation-building cannot be left entirely to government because the responsibility belongs collectively to citizens, institutions and leaders.
While acknowledging the importance of criticism in a democracy, Okiro urged Nigerians to ensure that their criticisms were patriotic and focused on identifying solutions to national problems.
He said constructive criticism could help government improve its policies and programmes, provided it was motivated by the desire to strengthen the country rather than deepen divisions.
The former police chief also called for national unity, warning Nigerians against allowing ethnic, religious or political differences to undermine the country’s cohesion.
He maintained that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.
“We are stronger together. An injury to one Nigerian is an injury to all,” he said.
Okiro equally commended members of the nation’s security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property.
He urged security personnel to remain professional, disciplined and committed to their constitutional responsibilities, particularly at a time when security challenges continue to affect communities in different parts of the country.
He said the sacrifices of security personnel should be recognised while urging them to maintain public confidence through professionalism and dedication to duty.
Looking towards the future, Okiro expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects, describing the country as a work in progress with significant potential for growth and development.
He pointed to the creativity and innovation of Nigerian youths, the industrious nature of women and the resilience of farmers as evidence of the human capacity available to transform the country.
According to him, Nigeria possesses the human resources and determination required to overcome its current challenges and secure a stronger position among the world’s leading nations.
“At 66, Nigeria is still a work in progress, but I see a bright future ahead,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to the national project, stressing that sustained faith in the country, combined with responsible leadership and active citizenship, could help Nigeria realise its enormous potential.
As the country marked the 66th anniversary of independence, Okiro offered prayers for peace across the nation, prosperity in Nigerian homes and wisdom for leaders at all levels.
He concluded by extending his Independence Day greetings to Nigerians at home and abroad and called for continued commitment to the unity and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Amb. Prince Sixtus Opara, Special Adviser on Media to Chief Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, former Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
