President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to building a secure, stable and economically prosperous nation.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Sunday at the 66th Independence Anniversary Interdenominational Church Service held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.
The service was held under the theme: “Anchored in Hope: The Path to Divine Stability and Shared Prosperity.”
Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise Nigerians’ resilience.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the country through 66 years of challenges, triumphs and sacrifices.
He said gains achieved through difficult economic and political reforms are translating into structural stability, which must be leveraged to extend prosperity.
“From reforms, we have built stability. From stability, let us deepen growth and opportunity, and from growth, let us extend shared prosperity to every corner of our dear nation,” Tinubu said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Tinubu urged Nigerians to safeguard 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance through peace, dialogue and national cohesion.
“As we look toward the 2027 elections ahead, let us remember that democracy is sustained by peace and unity.
“Our votes must be cast not in division, but in hope. Let us choose dialogue over discord, and unity over separation.
“This is so that our electoral process truly reflects the will of a united people,” he said.
The President also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He offered prayers for fallen officers and their families, while acknowledging their contributions to national security.
In his sermon, Most Rev. Musa Filibus, Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), described nation-building as a collective responsibility.
He said nation-building required faith, action and accountability from both leaders and citizens.
Filibus emphasised that true Christian hope was not “wishful thinking”, but firm reliance on God’s faithfulness.
He said such hope should inspire citizens to speak truth, demand justice and foster unity across regional and political lines.
“To be anchored in hope does not mean pretending that everything is well or saying peace when there is no peace.
“Christian hope enables us to face reality without losing confidence in God,” he said.
Filibus said Nigeria was “never finished” because God remained faithful, adding that ultimate hope should not be placed in human leaders or institutions.
“However, stability must be built on justice, trust, and responsible leadership,” he said.
The guest preacher defined shared prosperity as ensuring families could meet basic needs, children could access education, and young people could productively deploy their talents.
In his vote of thanks, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps and citizens.
Akume expressed gratitude for their unwavering support for national unity and the country’s development.
He said the administration remained focused on ensuring that economic progress directly benefited local communities and young Nigerians working daily to build a better future.
