01/10/2026
Nigeria at 66: Wunti Urges Renewed Faith in One Nigeria, Calls for Economic Diversification and Peaceful Democratic Engagement
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Dr. Bala Maijama'a Wunti has urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and remain committed to building a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
While acknowledging the challenges that have accompanied Nigeria’s journey since independence Bala Wunti said the country has every reason to celebrate its resilience, achievements and enormous potential.
In a statement signed by the chief communication officer, Bala Wunti Support Organisation, Abubakar Al-Sadique, Wunti called on Nigerians to use the anniversary as an opportunity to look beyond present difficulties and recommit themselves to building a stronger nation for current and future generations.
“In spite of the challenges that have tested our nationhood, Nigeria has every reason to celebrate 66 years of independence. Our journey may not have been without difficulties, but our human potential, natural resources and the resilience of our people give us compelling reasons to believe in Nigeria. We must fortify our faith in one united and prosperous Nigeria and commit ourselves to building the country we want future generations to inherit.”
Dr. Wunti urged the Federal Government to accelerate economic diversification and invest more deliberately in ICT, education, youth skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, innovation and productive sectors of the economy.
He said Nigeria’s vast mineral resources also present significant opportunities for investment, industrialisation, job creation and economic growth, stressing the importance of developing local value chains and attracting capital into commercially viable projects.
He noted that the country’s youthful population remains one of its greatest assets and called for sustained investment in human capital to equip young Nigerians with the skills required to compete and create opportunities in a changing global economy.
“A prosperous Nigeria cannot be built solely from what lies beneath the ground. It must also be built from what we put into the minds and hands of our people. Our greatest long-term investment must be in education, skills, innovation, agriculture, and enterprise, particularly for our young people.”
As the country continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, Dr. Wunti urged Nigerians to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process, including elections and other forms of civic engagement.
He appealed to political actors, supporters and citizens to ensure that political campaigns remain constructive, issue-based and peaceful, with disagreements expressed through dialogue rather than violence.
“Our democracy is strengthened when citizens participate, ask questions, engage on issues and make their voices heard peacefully. Political competition should unite rather than divide us. We must reject violence, hate and destructive rhetoric and embrace constructive campaigns centred on ideas, policies and the future we seek for Nigeria.”
Dr. Wunti stressed that building a prosperous Nigeria is a collective responsibility requiring purposeful leadership, responsible citizenship, private-sector investment and sustained commitment to national unity.
He congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed confidence in the country’s capacity to overcome its challenges and realise its vast potential.
Abubakar Al-Sadique
Chief Communication Officer Bala Wunti Support Organisation 01/10/2026
