Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians to use the 66th Independence anniversary to reflect on the country’s challenges and renew their commitment to building a more productive nation.
Kwankwaso, in an Independence Day message, congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, saying the anniversary should serve not only as a moment of celebration but also as an opportunity to assess the country’s progress and determine the steps required to secure its future.
He identified insecurity, poverty, unemployment, hunger and inadequate access to quality education and healthcare among the major challenges confronting Nigerians.
According to him, the situation in which children remain out of school, farmers cannot safely access their farms, young people struggle to find opportunities and communities are displaced by insecurity “should concern every Nigerian, particularly those entrusted with leadership.”
Kwankwaso said Nigeria must move from what he described as a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production, echoing the position of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.
He called for greater investment in human capital, particularly among young Nigerians, while urging government to prioritise education, agriculture and industry and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.
The former Kano State governor also stressed the importance of security, saying Nigerians should be able to live, farm, trade and raise their families without fear.
“Leadership must be measured by results, not by promises,” Kwankwaso said, referring to his experience as a student union leader, parliamentarian, minister and governor.
He said Nigerians deserved a government that is accountable, disciplined and focused on improving the lives of citizens.
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Kwankwaso maintained that although Nigeria faces significant challenges, the country also possesses the resources and capacity to address them.
“What we need is the courage, competence and commitment to implement those solutions,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and work towards building a nation where every citizen, irrespective of their place of origin, has access to opportunities.
Kwankwaso concluded by declaring that “a new and productive Nigeria is possible,” while wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day and praying for the country and its people.
Kwankwaso and Obi are the NDC’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 election, respectively, following their formal emergence on the party’s ticket earlier this year.