As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East Senatorial delivered a strong message of hope and reflection, calling on Nigerians to build on the nation’s painful history to forge a greater future.
The Ogun East senator reminded citizens that Nigeria has survived a brutal civil war, repeated military takeovers, and democratic setbacks, yet remains united.
“Our civil war experience was such a painful and dark side … there is no one family on either side that wasn’t hit. But we must build on this to come up with a virile country,” Daniel said.
He noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, stressing that what remains is for leaders and citizens to “get our acts together and leapfrog into the future.”
While acknowledging insecurity as a major setback, Daniel insisted it has not and will not destroy the nation.
He urged Nigerians to embrace unity in diversity, pointing out that successful democracies across the world thrive by managing differences rather than pretending they don’t exist.
“At 65, Nigeria has the potential to rise above its scars. I feel happy that it will happen,” he concluded.