As Nigerians across the globe mark the 66th Independence anniversary of the country, on Thursday, October 1, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and grassroots development advocate, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, (Allow Alao), has joined millions of well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate the country.
In his Independence Day goodwill message released in Ibadan, Alao congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the people of Oyo State, and Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence.
The APC chieftain described October 1st as not just a date on the calendar, but a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and undying hope despite 66 years of trials and triumphs.
“Today, I join other patriotic Nigerians to celebrate our dear country at 66. It is a day to thank God that despite our challenges, we are still one indivisible nation. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers – Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and others who fought for our independence. It is also a day for deep reflection on where we are coming from, where we are today, and where we ought to be,” he said.
Alao, who is known for his community development interventions across Oyo State, noted that at 66, Nigeria has every reason to be grateful to God for keeping the country together, considering the civil war, military coups, ethno-religious crises and economic challenges that could have torn the nation apart.
According to him, Nigeria remains a blessed nation with huge human and natural resources, stressing that what the country needs is more productivity, less sharing, and leadership that puts the people first.
“Nigeria is blessed beyond measure. We have fertile land, we have oil, we have gold, we have lithium, we have brains. What we need now is to move from consumption to production. We need to empower our youth with skills and jobs, not just handouts. We need to fix our roads, give our people light, fix our public schools and hospitals, and make our institutions work,” Alao stated.
He called on Nigerians, especially the youth, not to lose hope in the country despite the current economic hardship, noting that the JAPA syndrome, though understandable, is not the solution to Nigeria’s problems.
“I understand the frustration of our youth. I feel the hardship in the land. But this country is our own. No one will build it for us. Malaysia that was behind us in 1960 has built itself. Singapore built a first-world country from a swamp. We can do it too. Let us stay and build our own country. Nigeria will be great again,” he added.
Engr. Alao also used the opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde to prioritize infrastructure development in rural communities, especially roads linking agrarian communities, to boost food production and ease transportation of farm produce.
He commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, while appealing to the government to ensure that the gains of the reforms reach the common man on the street as quickly as possible.
“On behalf of my family, my political associates and the entire Allow Alao Foundation, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence anniversary. May God heal our land, restore our glory, and give our leaders wisdom to lead us right,
“Happy Independence Day. Long live Oyo State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he concluded.