The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has called on Nigerians to unite and contribute selflessly toward building the nation of their dreams as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.
In her Independence message titled “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” the First Lady drew inspiration from timeless words of thought leaders and global figures, stressing the need for sacrifice and patriotism.
Quoting Gebran Kalil Gebran’s 1925 essay The New Frontier, she noted:
“Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.”
She also referenced former United States President John F. Kennedy’s famous inaugural address of January 20, 1961:
“My fellow citizens, ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Senator Tinubu urged Nigerians to imbibe this spirit of collective responsibility and remain steadfast in contributing positively to national development.
“Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary,” she said.
She concluded with a prayer for the country: “God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
