‘Don’t Lose Hope, Dark Days Of Sacrifice Almost Over’ — Tinubu Urges Nigerians Ahead Of 66th Independence Anniversary

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, saying the dark days of sacrifice are almost over and the country is on the path to greatness.

The President spoke ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Day anniversary slated for Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during the Independence Day Jumat prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Friday, Tinubu noted that although Nigeria was yet to be where it should be, it is on the path to greatness.

He pleaded with citizens to support the reforms meant to keep the country on track to greatness.

“This 66th anniversary, by all accounts, signifies that Nigeria has come of age. Nigeria has become mature, even though when we reflect on the journey, from Independence to date, we would say it was a misfortune.

“Nigeria was bedeviled with a lot of issues in the past, and opportunities as well. But we thank Almighty Allah for granting us the lives and peace for us to witness this very historic event today,” he said.

“My message to the country on behalf of Mr President is that people should not lose hope. Peace is coming back to this country. Development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy.”

Speaking on what to look out for as the country celebrates its 66th anniversary, the President charged citizens to look at the focus of the current government.

“Citizens should look at the focus of the government of today: that the mistakes of the past, the cumulative mistakes and missed opportunities of the past, are being corrected in this particular administration. And I want to categorically make it clear that Nigeria is on the right path…”

Abbas, on his part, pleaded with the masses to give Tinubu a second chance to “finish the work he has started”, adding that Nigerians “have finished making sacrifices for this country to be great again.”

Some of the dignitaries that attended the prayer service included the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago; Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo; and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, among others.