NTAC DG Salutes Nigerians on National Day Celebration…says Independence an Opportunity for Reflection and Future Projections.

By Caroline Ameh

The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders across the country. He emphasized that through their support, leaders are encouraged to serve their constituencies effectively and with dedication.

In his National Day message, delivered Tuesday in Abuja, Buba congratulated President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, the judiciary, and all Nigerians on the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary. He described the occasion as a crucial moment for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey and look forward to future achievements.

According to Buba, Nigeria’s 64th anniversary marks another opportunity to assess the country’s progress since gaining independence from its colonial rulers, as well as to project the milestones that the nation can achieve in the coming years.

He noted, “The life of every nation is measured in thousands of years, and at just 64 years of independence, Nigeria has made visible strides worthy of celebration.”

In addressing the tendency to compare Nigeria with other nations, Buba stressed that such comparisons are often misguided. “It is common to compare ourselves with nations that neither share our size nor diversity. However, when we consider our unique characteristics, including our vast population, religious plurality, and ethnic diversity, it becomes clear that no other nation possesses our distinctive features,” he said.

Buba highlighted the complexity of managing a country with nearly 250 million people, over 300 ethnic groups, and more than 400 spoken languages, acknowledging that while these characteristics present challenges, they also offer unique advantages. “The ability of our people to consciously navigate what are often considered our fault lines shows how much we can achieve as a nation. We must always strive to manage these diversities to unlock the seeds of greatness embedded in them,” he added.

Reflecting on the significance of this year’s Independence Day, the NTAC DG said, “This celebration is an opportunity to take stock of how far we have come and to project where we hope to be in the next ten, twenty, thirty, or fifty years. While some may argue that we are not where we ought to be, Nigeria at 64 remains a success story, no matter how it is viewed.”

Buba also underscored the importance of peace in national development. “We have seen the adverse effects of violence and the absence of peace on a nation’s development. I urge all Nigerians to commit themselves to fostering peace, as development will naturally follow in peaceful environments.”

He further called on citizens to support their leaders at all levels, noting that global examples, such as Singapore, China, and Rwanda, demonstrate how development flourishes when leaders are supported by the populace.

As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, Buba concluded by wishing the nation a joyous and peaceful celebration. “Happy Independence Day Anniversary, Nigerians,” he said.