The Ukomu Igala Organization, UIO, Worldwide has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to national unity, peace and development.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its President, Major General James Ataguba (rtd.), on Wednesday, said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, challenges and prospects.
UIO described Nigeria as a nation of resilience, strength and diversity, saying its ability to endure decades of challenges and continue its quest for development remained a source of pride.
“As the Federal Republic of Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Ukomu Igala Organization Worldwide, as a leading voice of the Igala people of Nigeria, joins millions of patriotic citizens both at home and in the diaspora to celebrate this historic milestone in our evolutionary journey as a nation,” the statement said.
The organisation said the anniversary should also renew Nigerians’ commitment to the ideals upon which the country was founded.
According to UIO, the Igala people have remained active stakeholders in the Nigerian project through their contributions to national security, public service, commerce, education, culture and nation-building.
It said the contributions demonstrated the people’s belief in the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“Today, we reaffirm our undiluted loyalty to our dear country and reiterate our inimitable commitment to preserving the peace, unity and progress of our nation,” it said.
The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of past and present Nigerian leaders and citizens to the country’s development.
It particularly recognised the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in pursuing economic and structural reforms.
UIO said the reforms were being undertaken amid difficult economic conditions and could be painful for citizens, but argued that they were intended to strengthen the economy, improve public institutions, expand social infrastructure, attract investments and lay the foundation for sustainable development.
“The paths of reform and social re-engineering could be painful and challenging, especially when undertaken towards building a stronger economy, strengthening of public institutions, expanding social infrastructure, attracting investments and laying a foundation for sustainable national development and prosperity,” the organisation said.
However, UIO said the Federal Government needed to do more to address the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots.
It identified multidimensional poverty, insecurity and the deterioration of social amenities as some of the major challenges that could undermine ongoing government efforts if not urgently addressed.
“While appreciating these efforts, our organisation will like to humbly observe that the country is still grappling with multidimensional poverty, pervasive insecurity and a progressive deterioration of social amenities in the country, especially at the grassroots,” the statement said.
It urged the government to take more practical and productive measures to improve the welfare of Nigerians and reassure citizens that their living conditions remained a priority.
The organisation also called on Nigerians to remain united and committed to the task of nation-building, stressing that the responsibility for building a prosperous country should not be left to government alone.
According to UIO, citizens must also contribute through hard work, sacrifice, patriotism and a shared commitment to national development.
“At 66, Nigeria stands not merely as a nation of over two hundred million people but as a beacon of hope for Africa and the Black race,” it said.
The organisation described Nigeria’s diversity as a strength and unity as a shield, urging citizens not to lose hope in the country despite its current challenges.
