My dear fellow Ibeju-Lekkians and compatriots, today marks a significant milestone in our country’s journey towards nationhood. Exactly sixty-three years ago, our beloved country broke free from the chains of colonialism, emerging as a sovereign nation after enduring nearly a century of British subjugation.
On the midnight of October 1st, 1960, our people witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack and the proud hoisting of the Green-White-Green flag, symbolizing the end of the historic injustice of colonial rule. It signaled the birth of a new nation, carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of jubilant citizens who saw independence as a major victory in our long struggle for human dignity, self-determination, and sovereignty.
Both young and old Nigerians who witnessed this momentous occasion were filled with elation, as they envisioned a bright and prosperous future for themselves and future generations in a safe and secure Nigeria.
Sixty-three years have passed since that historic day, and, collectively, we have fallen short of fulfilling the lofty dreams of our founding fathers. However, we must express gratitude to God for keeping Nigeria united despite its tumultuous post-independence history, including surviving a civil war and several military coups.
Fortuitously, on May 29, 2023, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a staunch democrat and a hero of the struggle for the return of democracy in Nigeria, was inaugurated as the 16th President of Nigeria after winning the Presidential election on February 25th. Asiwaju, a man with an impeccable track record in both the public and private sectors, has assumed leadership with a renewed hope agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria from a land of untapped potential into a land of abundant prosperity.
As Nigerians, today should be a day of celebration, introspection, reflection, and re-commitment to the noble ideals of nation-building. We must therefore unite and support the new federal government, as well as the progressive administration of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu in our beloved state of Lagos, as they strive to break new grounds.
At the local government level, we will continue our unwavering pursuit of people-oriented policies and programs that have the greatest positive impact on our citizens. We will prioritize interventions that provide relief to the less-privileged and vulnerable among us in the face of prevailing socio-economic challenges.
As we commemorate the anniversary of our nation’s independence, I urge all of us to recommit ourselves to the noble values of peace, patriotism, unity, and responsible citizenship.
Happy Independence Day celebrations to each and every one of us.
Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa
Executive Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government