Nigeria Must Rise United or Risk a Hollow Independence — Chief Ambassador Zainab Mohammed.
By Raymond Enoch
Marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a stirring national address, Chief Ambassador Zainab Mohammed has called on Nigerians to confront the realities beneath the celebrations — warning that independence means little without unity, security, and inclusion for all. Her message was not just reflective, but a rallying cry for bold national renewal.
“This day is more than a celebration of our past,” said Mohammed, a respected diplomat, economic sovereignty advocate, and pan-African strategist. “It is a solemn moment to reflect on our journey as a people, united under one flag, driven by the dream of a greater, stronger, and more inclusive Nigeria.”
With security challenges persisting across regions, she emphasized that true independence cannot exist where citizens live in fear. “The safety and wellbeing of every Nigerian, regardless of location, religion, or ethnicity, must remain a top priority,” she stated, pressing the urgency for national security to be treated as a fundamental right.
Turning to governance, Ambassador Mohammed called for a reinvigoration of the country’s institutions — democratic, legal, educational, and social — demanding that they serve all Nigerians with transparency, fairness, and accountability. “A thriving nation rests not just on the shoulders of leaders, but on the integrity and functionality of its institutions,” she said.
Economic sovereignty formed a central pillar of her address. She urged the nation to harness its vast human and natural resources to foster a self-reliant economy, driven by local industries, innovation, and equitable development. “In an interconnected world, Nigeria must support entrepreneurs, empower communities, and ensure that no region is left behind,” she noted.
Mohammed’s message also struck at the heart of gender equity, insisting that the future of Nigeria cannot be built while women and girls remain underrepresented and underserved. “A truly independent Nigeria must ensure that women and girls have equal voice, representation, and access to leadership, education, and economic power.”
In a resolute conclusion, she reaffirmed Nigeria’s indivisibility. “Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable. In our diversity lies our strength. In our shared history lies our hope. And in our collective determination lies our future.”
As the nation commemorates six and a half decades of sovereignty, Chief Ambassador Zainab Mohammed’s words echo as both a reflection of how far Nigeria has come — and a challenge to rise higher, together.
