In agriculture, he mentioned distribution of inputs and tractors, the Jangwa-Agwatashi farms, and establishment of Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company, which produced NASACCO rice.

“30 years ago, our founding fathers gave us a state. The generation that followed started building the foundation. Our generation created the development we see today. The responsibility belongs to the next generation to take Nasarawa even higher,” Sule added.

Yahaya vows opportunities

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, on Thursday reiterated his commitment to accelerating the state’s development drive, expanding economic opportunities and consolidating investments in critical sectors as Gombe marks 30 years of statehood alongside Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Yahaya made the commitment in a special anniversary message to mark October 1, 2026, saying the twin celebrations provided an opportunity to take stock of the transformation of Gombe over the past three decades while setting a clear course for the state’s next phase of growth and development.

He said Gombe had, since its creation on October 1, 1996, evolved from a new state into an increasingly important economic and administrative hub in the North-East, supported by strategic planning, investments in critical infrastructure and reforms aimed at creating an enabling environment for socio-economic development.

The governor linked the state’s development trajectory to the Gombe State 10-Year Development Plan, DEVAGOM, which provides a long-term framework for sustainable and inclusive growth

According to him, the plan, developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, guides government interventions and investments across critical sectors, with emphasis on human capital development, infrastructure, economic growth, environmental sustainability and improved quality of life.

He said the programmes had translated into measurable progress in critical sectors, with particular emphasis on expanding access to essential services, improving public infrastructure, stimulating economic activity and strengthening the foundations for sustainable development.

In road infrastructure, the governor said the state has recorded the construction and rehabilitation of more than 1,000 kilometres of roads under the Network 11-100 programme and other interventions.

On environmental restoration, he said the government had intensified measures to address gully erosion and land degradation through targeted erosion-control and ecological restoration projects.

Aiyedatiwa seeks nation-building

Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, called on the citizens to join hands with the government in building the country.

He made the call on Thursday, adding that the business of nation-building should not be left with the government alone.

He said, “We are grateful for the peace we continue to enjoy, for the strength to confront our prevailing challenges and for the privilege of witnessing another year in the life of our great country.

“Today, as we commemorate 66 years of nationhood, we reflect on the journey we have travelled, the responsibilities that remain before us and the future we must collectively build.

“Around this period, 66 years ago, a generation of Nigerians dared to believe that a people of many tongues, traditions and faiths could share one destiny. They handed to us not a finished country, but the responsibility to build, preserve and improve the country whose freedom they secured through courage, sacrifice and conviction. Independence, therefore, is more than the memory of a date; it is a continuing responsibility to the past, the present and the future. It challenges every generation to ask: What have you done with the inheritance entrusted to you?”

He appreciated the Federal Government and the cooperation surrounding initiatives such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the proposed Deep-Sea Port and other projects capable of expanding the economic prospects of our state.

“We look forward to deeper collaboration in the interest of our people and the continued development of Nigeria,” the governor stated.

Wike canvasses infrastructure

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of the FCT to use the forthcoming 2027 general elections to elect progressive and visionary leaders capable of sustaining and expanding the infrastructure development recorded in the territory.

Wike made the call in his Independence Day message to residents of the FCT on Thursday.

The minister, while congratulating residents, said the FCT Administration remained committed to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city with modern infrastructure and improved public services.

He said the FCT remained a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, describing Abuja as a city where Nigerians from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds lived and worked together.

“Sixty-six years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation for a sovereign nation built on the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress. Today, we look back at our journey with pride, acknowledging our resilience as a people and reaffirming our commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved country,” he said.

Wike said the FCT Administration had “invested heavily” in critical infrastructure, including road construction and public transportation, as part of efforts to extend development beyond the city centre to communities across the territory.

He claimed that the administration had “totally transformed” the FCT road network from the city centre to the most remote rural communities, with roads equipped with drainage systems and solar streetlights.

According to him, the projects were aimed at improving accessibility and addressing security challenges in communities located far from the city centre.

He said the expansion was intended to provide residents with safer and more efficient transportation services.

Wike added that the administration was improving access to healthcare and education across the six area councils, stressing that a healthy and educated population was essential to sustainable development.

On security, the minister said the administration was working with security agencies to keep the FCT safe, noting that surveillance had been intensified while community policing and modern technology were being deployed to combat crime.

He called on residents to use the elections as an opportunity to elect what he described as leaders who would sustain and expand the infrastructure development being undertaken in the FCT.

“My dear residents, as the nation prepares for the forthcoming general elections in January 2027, I enjoin you all to see it as an opportunity to vote in progressive, visionary leaders who will sustain and expand the infrastructural revolution that has commenced in the FCT, leaders who have vision and capacity to bring more development and prosperity to the people,” he said.

Saraki counsels youths

Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerian youths to demand greater accountability, opportunities and better governance from elected leaders.

Saraki, in an Independence Day message issued on Thursday, said young Nigerians who had grown up under democracy had every right to expect more from the country and its leaders, particularly in areas affecting their education, employment, security and future.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, the former Kwara State governor said the significance of democracy was more readily appreciated by Nigerians who experienced military rule and witnessed the country’s return to civilian government in 1999.

“For those of us who lived through military rule, our return to democracy in 1999 meant a great deal. Simply being able to choose our leaders felt like a victory. Because it was,” Saraki said.

He, however, noted that the expectations of younger Nigerians were shaped by a different experience, as many of them had never experienced military rule or the political uncertainty that preceded the return to democracy.

Saraki said the younger generation was therefore entitled to ask whether the democratic system was delivering tangible improvements in their everyday lives.

The former Senate President listed some of the questions confronting young Nigerians, including whether they would complete their education on time, secure employment, live safely and build fulfilling lives without being compelled to leave the country.

The former Senate President added that young Nigerians could see the possibilities around them and were justified in questioning why so many talented citizens had to struggle to achieve basic aspirations.

He said Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary should serve as an opportunity for political leaders to reflect on what the country owed its younger population.

Wamakko preaches unity

Former Sokoto State Governor and senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Aliyu Wamakko, called on Nigerians to promote unity, peace and mutual understanding.

Wamakko, who is also the leader of the All Progressives Congress in Sokoto State, made the call in a goodwill message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bashar Abubakar.

The senator congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, describing the anniversary as an important occasion for reflection on the sacrifices made by the country’s founding fathers and other citizens who contributed to Nigeria’s development.

He urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous country, regardless of ethnic, religious, regional or political differences.

According to him, Nigeria’s diversity and the resilience of its citizens remained important strengths in overcoming the challenges confronting the nation.

“We must continue to strengthen the bonds of unity, uphold the values of peace and patriotism, and contribute our quota towards building the Nigeria of our collective aspirations,” Wamakko said.

He prayed for continued peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to bless and protect the country and its people.

‘Reject corrupt practices’

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called for zero tolerance for corruption by Nigerians, saying corrupt practices could undermine the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms.

Olukoyede, in his Independence Day message to Nigerians, signed by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said Nigerians must complement the government’s reform initiatives with accountable conduct and a firm rejection of corruption in all its forms.

He applauded efforts to strengthen the country’s political and economic institutions, describing them as “building blocks of the greater nation we desire.”

“At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building. All these efforts are significant. They are the building blocks of the greater nation we desire. Let’s therefore couple all our reform-focused initiatives with zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

Olukoyede stressed that the country’s reform efforts could not yield their desired results if corrupt practices were allowed to undermine them.

“We cannot be building and allow corrupt practices to vitiate our efforts. Progress only comes with purposeful rejection of compromises. Nigeria will surely get better!” he said.

The EFCC chairman expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects, urging citizens to reject corrupt practices and support efforts aimed at strengthening the country.

Dan’iya faults APC

The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’iya, has criticised the APC-led governments at the federal and state levels, alleging that their policies have worsened economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and access to essential services.

Dan’iya, in a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, said the occasion should be used for sober reflection on the country’s governance and development since independence.

He said Nigerians deserved to know what had become of the resources entrusted to successive governments.

“The APC has had sufficient time and resources to demonstrate what it can do. Nigerians are entitled to ask where the dividends of those resources are,” he said.

The ADC candidate particularly criticised the Sokoto State Government’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda, describing it as “a grand political promise whose implementation has failed to match the expectations of the people.”

Dan’iya cited the state’s 2026 budget of about N758.7 billion, saying residents should be able to see measurable improvements in critical sectors, including security, water supply, healthcare, education and employment.

He said citizens’ concerns should not be overshadowed by government publicity, arguing that the performance of any administration should ultimately be measured by its impact on communities.

“Government should be judged by what citizens can actually see and feel in their communities,” he said.

According to him, while the Sokoto State Government has highlighted investments under its Nine-Point Agenda, there remained a need for greater accountability and independent scrutiny of government claims, expenditure and project outcome

“Government must move beyond ceremonies, announcements and budget figures to demonstrate concrete results in security, schools, hospitals, water schemes, agriculture, jobs and the local economy,” he said.

The ADC candidate also urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to take an active interest in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections by examining the records, programmes and promises of all political parties.

He said the ADC would present what he described as a different approach focused on security, education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, technology, water supply, youth empowerment, institutional accountability and inclusive economic development.