Abuja – October 1, 2025
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Speaker of the Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP), Rt. Hon. Rikki Nwajiofor, has extended warm felicitations to Nigerians, urging leaders and citizens alike to recommit themselves to the ideals of justice, equity, national unity, and youth empowerment.
In a goodwill message delivered to mark the national celebration, Nwajiofor reflected on Nigeria’s six and a half decades of existence as a sovereign state, describing the anniversary as a sacred reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of the country’s founding fathers. He noted that while the nation has made significant progress since independence, much remains to be done to ensure that every citizen enjoys fairness, inclusivity, and dignity.
The NYP Speaker stressed that true independence goes beyond the symbolism of October 1, 1960. According to him, the essence of freedom will only be realized when no ethnic nationality feels marginalized and when fairness and inclusivity form the foundation of national development.
“As we mark this historic occasion, it is imperative that we renew our commitment to building an equitable and just Nigeria – a nation where no ethnic nationality feels marginalized, and where fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all citizens, irrespective of tribe, religion, or region,” Nwajiofor said.
He cautioned that marginalization and injustice remain some of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s unity, pointing out that many communities still feel excluded from the dividends of democracy. For him, only a renewed social contract anchored on justice and fairness will heal divisions and consolidate national cohesion.
Calling for a fresh commitment to unity, Nwajiofor reminded Nigerians that the country’s strength lies in its diversity. Despite differences in culture, language, and religion, he argued that the Nigerian identity must remain supreme.
“The Ndigbo Youth Parliament strongly calls for national unity. Despite our diversities, Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity, and we must all rise above sentiments of division to embrace a spirit of brotherhood and patriotism. No nation prospers in disunity, and our collective progress as a people depends on our ability to stand together, work together, and dream together as Nigerians,” he declared.
He warned that division, whether along ethnic or religious lines, would only drag the nation backward, urging political leaders and citizens alike to embrace inclusivity as a binding principle for progress.
The NYP Speaker also emphasized the need for government at all levels to prioritize security and youth empowerment as cornerstones of sustainable development. He described a secure environment as a prerequisite for growth, while youth empowerment, in his words, is the surest path to long-term stability and prosperity.
“A nation can only thrive when its citizens are safe and when its young people are gainfully engaged, empowered, and provided with opportunities to innovate and contribute meaningfully to national growth,” he said.
Highlighting the role of young people in shaping the nation’s destiny, Nwajiofor noted that the youth population remains Nigeria’s greatest asset. With more than 60 percent of Nigerians under 30 years of age, he insisted that policies must be deliberately designed to open doors of opportunity for the younger generation in education, entrepreneurship, technology, and governance.
“The youth are the future of Nigeria, and their empowerment must remain a top priority in policy formulation and implementation,” he added.
While acknowledging the efforts of government, Nwajiofor stressed that nation-building is not the responsibility of leaders alone. He urged all Nigerians to support and complement the efforts of government across every sector.
“Nation-building is a collective responsibility, and only through active citizenship, positive contributions, and mutual cooperation can we build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to play their part by being responsible citizens, paying taxes, engaging in community service, and supporting initiatives that promote peace and progress.
The Ndigbo Youth Parliament serves as a platform for young Igbo leaders to engage in dialogue, policy advocacy, and civic engagement. It provides a voice for Igbo youths within the broader Nigerian context, focusing on issues such as inclusion, development, and youth empowerment. Under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Rikki Nwajiofor, the parliament has consistently advocated for a Nigeria where equity, justice, and meritocracy prevail over marginalization and exclusion.
Nwajiofor’s Independence Day message continues the tradition of the parliament lending its voice to national discourse, emphasizing both the unique concerns of the Igbo people and the collective aspirations of all Nigerians.
Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary has been marked by both celebration and reflection nationwide. While citizens continue to take pride in the nation’s survival and growth since 1960, debates about governance, equity, security, and economic hardship dominate conversations.
For leaders like Nwajiofor, the occasion is an opportunity not just for festivities but for deep introspection. His call aligns with sentiments expressed by other stakeholders who insist that Nigeria’s independence will only be meaningful when citizens enjoy the benefits of democracy, when institutions function effectively, and when young people are given the tools to drive the economy.
Civil society groups, youth organizations, and community leaders have welcomed the NYP Speaker’s Independence message, particularly his emphasis on equity and youth empowerment. Several commentators noted that his words echo the frustrations of many young Nigerians who feel disconnected from governance and excluded from economic opportunities.
Some observers described the message as timely, given ongoing debates about restructuring, resource allocation, and inclusivity in governance. Others commended Nwajiofor for using his platform to promote unity at a time when divisive rhetoric often dominates public discourse.
As the nation reflects on 65 years of independence, Nwajiofor’s words stand as both a celebration of resilience and a reminder of unfinished tasks. His message underscores that Nigeria’s challenges—whether economic, security, or social—cannot be solved by government alone. They require the active participation of citizens, especially the youth who constitute the largest demographic.
His call to prioritize security, equity, and empowerment echoes a growing consensus among Nigerians that inclusive governance and people-centered development are the pathways to a stronger nation.
In his Independence Day address, Rt. Hon. Rikki Nwajiofor, Speaker of the Ndigbo Youth Parliament, encapsulated the spirit of October 1 as both a commemoration of past sacrifices and a call to renewed responsibility. By congratulating Nigerians, emphasizing equity and unity, and placing youth at the center of the development agenda, his message resonates far beyond the Igbo community, striking a national chord.
“As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us be reminded that the task of building a better Nigeria is a shared one. Together, with unity, justice, and equity, a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria is possible,” he concluded in his message.
As Nigeria steps into its 66th year of independence, voices like Nwajiofor’s will remain crucial in inspiring a generation to rise above challenges, embrace shared values, and pursue a collective vision of national greatness.
