…APM Oyo Central Senatorial Candidate pays tribute to founding fathers, commends Awolowo’s legacy, calls for renewed commitment to national unity
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has felicitated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the resilience of citizens in the face of economic, security and social challenges as a testament to the enduring strength of the Nigerian spirit.
Ajadi, in a goodwill message issued on Thursday to mark the anniversary, urged Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s journey despite the difficulties confronting the country, saying that the continued existence of Nigeria as one indivisible nation after 66 years remains an achievement worthy of reflection and renewed commitment.
Nigeria attained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The 2026 anniversary therefore marks 66 years of sovereignty. The Presidency, in its own Independence Day address, also described the occasion as a moment to reflect on Nigeria’s journey and the resilience of its people.
According to Ajadi, independence should not be viewed merely as an annual public holiday but as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding generation and the responsibility of present and future generations to preserve and improve the country they inherited.
The APM candidate paid glowing tribute to the country’s founding fathers and other nationalists whose struggles and sacrifices culminated in Nigeria’s independence.
He noted that the generation that fought for self-government confronted a different set of challenges but was united by a common aspiration for freedom, dignity and the right of Nigerians to determine their own destiny.
Ajadi said the foundation laid by the nation’s early leaders had helped Nigeria survive decades of political, ethnic, religious and socio-economic challenges.
He observed that although the country is characterised by remarkable ethnic, religious and cultural diversity, Nigerians have repeatedly demonstrated that their shared national identity can transcend their differences.
“The strength of Nigeria is not that we are the same; our strength is that despite our differences in language, religion and culture, we have continued to share one national destiny.”
He called on Nigerians to preserve that bond, warning that a nation that forgets the sacrifices of its founding generation risks losing sight of the purpose for which its independence was achieved.
Ajadi specifically paid tribute to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whom he described as one of the foremost architects of development in the old Western Region.
He commended Awolowo’s administration for initiatives that contributed to the development of education, infrastructure, healthcare and human capital in the region, saying that the legacy remains relevant to contemporary discussions about purposeful governance and development.
For Ajadi, the enduring lesson from Awolowo’s era is that political leadership should be measured not merely by the offices occupied but by the institutions built and the lives transformed.
He said:
“The true measure of leadership is not the height of the office but the depth of the impact it leaves behind. A leader may leave office, but the institutions he builds and the lives he transforms can continue to speak for him across generations.”
The businessman and philanthropist urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the Nigerian project despite the current difficulties confronting households and businesses.
He acknowledged the hardship associated with economic pressures, insecurity and other social challenges but argued that despair should not be allowed to become the defining narrative of the country.
Ajadi expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its present difficulties and reclaim a stronger position among nations if citizens and leaders remained committed to national development.
He urged Nigerians to see the country’s challenges as a call to collective responsibility rather than an excuse for abandoning hope.
“Nigeria may be passing through difficult times, but difficult times do not define the destiny of a nation. We must continue to believe in Nigeria, work for Nigeria and build the Nigeria we desire for generations yet unborn.”
His position echoes a broader theme in the Federal Government’s 2026 Independence Day message, which acknowledged the country’s difficult journey while emphasising the resilience of Nigerians and the need to build on the nation’s future prospects.
Ajadi also used the occasion to appeal specifically to residents of Oyo Central Senatorial District, urging them to continue supporting the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, the APM and his senatorial ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He promised that, if elected to represent the district in the Senate, he would prioritise initiatives capable of bringing tangible dividends of democracy to communities across the senatorial district.
According to him, representation should go beyond occupying a legislative seat to ensuring that the interests, aspirations and welfare of constituents are adequately articulated at the national level.
He promised to work towards attracting development, supporting human capital development and ensuring that communities across Oyo Central receive greater attention in the distribution of public opportunities and federal interventions.
Ajadi assured the people of Oyo Central that the future remained bright, urging them not to surrender their aspirations because of present circumstances.
He said the challenges facing Nigeria should strengthen citizens’ resolve to build a more prosperous, secure and united nation.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Ajadi called for renewed patriotism, tolerance and collective responsibility, stressing that nation-building is a continuous process that requires contributions from government, businesses, civil society and ordinary citizens alike.
He concluded by congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary and praying for peace, prosperity and stability across the country.
“Our independence was won by the courage and sacrifices of those who came before us. Our responsibility today is to ensure that their sacrifices are not wasted and that we bequeath to our children a Nigeria that is stronger, more prosperous, more united and more just.”
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.
