By Sunny A. David, Awka
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, former Senator and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, saying ongoing economic reforms and investments are laying the foundation for a stronger economy.
Ekwunife, who also serves as South-East Director of Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring (EPCM) of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the call in her Independence Day message contained in a statement issued by Tony Ezike, Media Director of the Senator Uche Ekwunife Campaign Council, and made available to journalists in Awka, Anambra State.
She said Nigeria’s economic renewal should be viewed as a continuing process that requires patience, responsible leadership, active citizenship and sustained implementation of policies capable of improving the lives of citizens.
The former senator called on Nigerians to maintain faith in the country while recognising that nation-building was a collective responsibility.
According to her, patriotism should go beyond words and be demonstrated through productive citizenship, responsible conduct and commitment to the common good.
She, however, stressed that constructive citizenship did not mean unconditional acceptance of government policies.
Ekwunife said citizens should continue to engage government responsibly by identifying gaps, demanding accountability and drawing attention to areas where improvements were needed.
She identified ongoing reforms in the foreign-exchange market, fiscal management and investments in infrastructure, education and human capital as important components of the country’s economic rebuilding efforts.
While acknowledging that the reforms had placed significant pressure on households and businesses, she said the ultimate objective should be to translate economic restructuring into greater stability, expanded opportunities, improved productivity and better living conditions.
Ekwunife also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as an important intervention aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and reducing financial barriers for students from less-privileged backgrounds.
She noted that eligible students could access interest-free loans to support institutional charges and upkeep, helping them remain in higher education despite financial difficulties.
The senator also cited ongoing federal road construction and rehabilitation projects, including infrastructure linked to the Second Niger Bridge, saying improved transportation infrastructure was particularly important to the South-East because of the region’s commercial and industrial activities.
According to her, sustained investment in roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure would improve connectivity, reduce transportation bottlenecks, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and stimulate economic activities.
She said infrastructure development should not be viewed merely as the construction of physical assets, but as an economic intervention capable of reducing logistics costs, opening up communities, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Ekwunife further called for continued improvements in public services, including passport administration and identity-management systems, stressing that efficient public institutions were essential to a modern economy.
She also urged state governments to use increased federal allocations and other available resources to address pressing needs in areas such as roads, healthcare, education, water supply, security, environmental management, agriculture and job creation.
The APC chieftain cautioned against giving the impression that Nigeria’s economic and social challenges had disappeared, stressing that meaningful national transformation would require sustained reforms, institutional strengthening, responsible leadership and collective effort.
She said the reform process must remain focused on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, including the cost of living, employment, food security, education, healthcare, energy, transportation and opportunities for young people.
Ekwunife stressed that economic indicators should ultimately translate into improved living conditions for citizens.
«“The true measure of economic renewal is not simply what happens to macroeconomic indicators, but what Nigerians experience in their homes, businesses, farms, schools and communities,” she said.»
She also urged Nigerians to protect public infrastructure and national assets, calling on individuals and communities to report suspected vandalism of roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, public buildings and other government facilities.
According to her, destruction of public infrastructure imposes additional costs on taxpayers and undermines development efforts.
Ekwunife commended civil servants, security personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, transport workers, artisans, business owners and other Nigerians whose daily efforts continue to sustain the country despite prevailing economic challenges.
She particularly encouraged young Nigerians and women to remain actively involved in the nation’s economic, social and democratic development by acquiring relevant skills, embracing innovation, pursuing productive enterprises and participating in processes that shape the country’s future.
The senator said Nigeria’s youthful population, human resources, natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit provided significant opportunities for long-term development if properly harnessed through sound policies, effective institutions and productive investments.
She expressed optimism that sustained implementation of reforms and continued investment in infrastructure, education and human capital could progressively deliver greater economic stability, improved public services and expanded opportunities.
Ekwunife also called on political leaders at the federal, state and local government levels to strengthen coordination and ensure that public policies and resources produce measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, she urged Nigerians to remain committed to national unity, peace and development, while calling on leaders to remain focused on programmes that improve citizens’ welfare.
She wished Nigerians a peaceful Independence Day and expressed confidence that perseverance, accountable leadership, active citizenship and sustained commitment to national development would help the country overcome its challenges.
