Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, highlighting the nation’s progress, despite the numerous challenges.

Mr Uzodimma conveyed the goodwill message to the people in a state-wide broadcast in Owerri on Wednesday.

Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria at 65: All hands on deck for a greater Nigeria,” he emphasised the importance of collective effort in nation-building.

“It is with great pride and fulfilment that I congratulate the nation on the occasion of the 65th Independence Anniversary.

“In spite of the daunting challenges and insurmountable roadblocks, the nation had overcome,” he said.

The governor said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Nigeria at 65: All hands on deck for a greater Nigeria”  was “apt and timely”.

He said it the theme reminds Nigerians that the work of nation-building is never finished but remains a collective duty binding on all Nigerians.

He said the celebration called for “renewed faith and contribution from all in the pursuit of economic growth, political stability and social justice”.

“No honest observer can dismiss Nigeria’s journey in the past 65 years as uneventful,” he stated.

Mr Uzodimma said the nation had recorded successes in all sectors since gaining independence in 1960.

According to him, the country had recorded growth in the education sector, from one university at independence to over 200, as well as dozens of polytechnics and colleges.

The governor said, “Many educated Nigerian youths are making the country one of the largest producers of skilled manpower in Africa.

“In healthcare, we have expanded facilities, trained professionals, expanded in technology and infrastructure.

“The last decade has seen deliberate investment in roads, bridges, railways, ports and airports across the federation.

“In finance, we have moved from depending on foreign banks to building indigenous institutions that are strong enough and globally competitive.”

Mr Uzodimma said that under President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, the nation took determined strides towards a stronger and more resilient economy.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy, although challenging, freed up resources that are now being channelled to infrastructure, social investments, and increased allocations to the state.

The governor also listed Mr Tinubu’s achievements to include the reunification of the exchange rate, which had restored confidence in the naira.

He said the renewed drive in agriculture and solid minerals had boosted exports and recorded excess surpluses.

“Indeed, the early fruits of the president’s reforms that were brave, necessary and ultimately transformative, are truly heart-warming,” he emphasised.

In Imo, the governor said the state had equally made progress through the prosperity agenda anchored on reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery.

He listed over 120 roads, the state health insurance scheme, urban renewal projects and investment in digital infrastructure as some of the achievements made in the past five years.

He praised the increased revenue from both the federal allocation and internally generated revenue, adding that it paved the way for the state as the highest paying minimum wage of N104,000.

“We are clearing outstanding gratuities and ensuring that pensions are promptly paid,” Mr Uzodimma said.

He assured the people of the state of more improved infrastructure, security and welfare.

He urged them not to lose hope but recommit to “building a nation where no one is left behind and where the sacrifices of past generations are tied to tomorrow’s victory”.

(NAN)