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Nigeria: 47th Independence Day Celebration, toward brighter economic cooperation with D-8

Abuja, Nigeria | October 02, 2007 by D-8 Secretariat

As the nation marks its 47th anniversary today, eminent Nigerians in their goodwill messages have continued to express divergent views on the nation, with a call on Nigerians to join hands for development, reported Thisdayonline, and Dailytrust newsportal of Nigeria.

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua yesterday pledged to rid Nigeria of corruption, poverty as well as to entrench rule of law in the country. The president also reiterated his willingness to work as a servant-leader and fulfil the covenant he made during his campaign for the presidency.

He made the pledge in his independence anniversary address. He said that no region or group will be left behind in pursuing the aspiration for the growth and development of a peaceful, strong, secure and prosperous nation founded on the ideals of justice, equity, fairness, patriotism, and the fear of God.

When Nigeria got her independence, being the most populous African nation in the world, it became a becon of hope to the rest of the African countries. Nigeria was seen as a country that would play a big brother role in African affairs deploying her enormous human and natural resources, and to a large extent, it has fairly assumed that status.

He said: “We are entering our 48th year as a free and sovereign nation against the backdrop of a renewed hope and optimism about our nation and our future. In the short four months we have been in office, we have taken initiatives to build a steady future for ourselves and our posterity. We shall continue with unmediated dedication in our determination to check corruption, reduce poverty, grow our economy, entrench absolute respect for the rule of law, eradicate abuse of due process, and create equal opportunities for all Nigerians,” as quoted by the Dailytrust of Nigeria.

He further said that the country has faced challenges over the last forty seven years, adding that despite the monumental challenges “we have had remarkable bursts of socio-economic and political development. These were punctuated by no less profound setbacks to our political development, economic progress and social cohesion. However, almost against all odds, we always summoned uncommon resilience and with abiding faith in our common”.

The president underlined the need to resolve and work together to restore Nigerian cherished values of diligence, honesty, decency, transparency, selflessness and accountability in the country policy. “We have commenced the process of rebuilding our basic infrastructures. The energy challenge will be met in a holistic manner. We shall be guided by our national consensus for democratic governance and strengthening our democratic institutions, structures, and processes. We shall in particular ensure that our electoral process is of the highest quality and meets international best practice,” he said.

He said that the 47th independence anniversary is auspicious coming in the Holy month of Ramadan. He wished Muslims a fulfilling fasting period.

D-8 Organisation through the secretariat is extending Nigeria the highest congratulations on this special occasion, and believes that Nigeria will flourish as its cooperation within the framework of D-8 Organization developed to higher ground with the supports of all other member states.

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