Chief Chineme Onyeke, the Director General of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Memorial Foundation says Nigeria has every course to roll out drums to celebrate her 65-year independence anniversary.
Onyeke said this in Nsukka on Saturday in an interview with our correspondent while speaking on Nigeria 65th independence anniversary that would be celebrated on Wednesday October 1.
He said despite challenges some leaders in the country since 1960 have tried their best to develop as wel ensure the unity of Nigeria.
The Found Fathers of this great country like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa among others sacrificed much having known that peace and unity remain the bedrock of progress in any country.
“That was why they did everything within their capacities to ensure that the country remai one irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation.
“Despite economic political and security challenges since 1960, I commend our leaders for their resilience and doggedness in sustaining the unity and peace of the country which our founding fathers held very dear to their hearts,” he said.
The DG said no matter from whatever perspective anyone would look at it, Nigeria as a country had recorded many achievements in different sectors of the economy.
“If we must tell ourselves the truth, how Nigeria is now in terms of development was not the same way it was in 1960 when the country gained its independent from British government.
“That’s is why I said Nigeria deserves to roll out drums to celebrate its 65th independent anniversary because many development have taken place.
“Some countries in the world did not even witnessed half of the problems Nigeria has witnessed but have splitted into two or three countries as result of disunity
“But in spite all economic, political and security challenges in the country, Nigeria has continued to record landmark achievements within and internationally, which is an indication that God blessed the country with robust human and material resources.
Onyeke commended the present administration in the country led by President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to fix the economic and security challenges in the country since he assumed office in May 2023.
He expressed special happiness in the reforms and revolution going on in agricultural sector which he said had gone a long way in boosting agriculture and reducing the cost of food items in the market.
Onyeke explained that, one of the objectives of establishing Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Memorial Foundation was to continue to advocate good leadership and followership which Azikiwe the first President of the country was known for throughout his life time