President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to live in peace, tolerate one another and work towards the development of the country.

The president made the call on Friday during a special Jumaat prayer organised at the National Mosque, Abuja.

The special prayer was part of activities to mark the country’s 65th independence.

Mr Tinubu, who was represented by minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers could be achieved when citizens live in peace, tolerate one another and work hard.

“Differences will always exist, but the message is one of hope, unity, and togetherness.

“All Nigerians must imbibe these values so that collectively we can achieve the progress and prosperity that I promised since assuming office.”

“Though the country is undergoing transformation, my administration is making steady progress towards tackling them.

“I call on Nigerians to be patient as efforts are ongoing to turn around the fortunes of the nation,” Mr Tinubu said.

While congratulating Nigerians on the country’s independence, the president urged citizens to continue to pray for the leaders and the country as it moves towards attaining a brighter future.

“The theme for this year’s anniversary celebration is ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

The president appealed to all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political, or social affiliations, to come together in unison to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

According to him, Nigeria has recorded significant economic growth, improvements in security, notable progress in agriculture, and advances in other critical sectors.

“What is needed now is for Nigerians to work hand in hand”.

“I wish Nigerians a peaceful and joyous celebration,” he said.

The minister of agriculture and rural development, Mohammed Kyari, who attended the Jummat prayer, said Nigeria is on a trajectory to recover its lost glory in the community of nations.

The Etsu Nupe and chairman, Niger State Traditional Council, Yahaya Abubakar, also called for peaceful coexistence and prayed for the well-being and prosperity of the nation.

(NAN)