By Uche Amunike
Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians to remain hopeful and optimistic about the future, regardless of the challenges they might currently face in their day-to-day lives.
He made this plea in his goodwill message issued, Thursday in Abuja to Nigerians as the nation prepared to celebrate her 61st Independence anniversary.
He noted that the Nigerian nation had plenty of promises for her citizens, even as she has what it takes to overcome the challenges of today’s threats and endless trials.
He encouraged all leaders and even citizens to continue to uphold the virtues of equity, justice and tolerance by re-dedicating themselves to a common good that will ultimately be for the good of the nation.
He described the Independence day as a day of freedom that offered citizens an opportunity to reflect on the progress of the country so far, her simple achievements, while at the same time, reflecting on all her dreams yet to be fulfilled.
His exact words: ‘I join all citizens to celebrate the 61st Independence Anniversary of our great nation, Nigeria. As we mark this day of freedom, it allows us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our humble attainments and ponder over those dreams that are yet to be fulfilled.’
‘We may have hiccups along the way and challenging times that might be stretching our resolve and determination to forge ahead. But we should not relent nor succumb to fear, discouraging trials and threats of today’.
‘We will never lose hope in our country and in our indomitable spirit and capacity to overcome difficult times, seize the moment and conquer,’ Jonathan said.
‘This time offers us a new opportunity to renew our drive towards attaining greater heights and secure our shared dreams and common vision. As we celebrate, let us aggregate the successes, challenges and lessons of the last six decades and apply them towards a more prosperous future for us and upcoming generations.’
‘Ours is a country blessed with numerous opportunities and prospects as well as great citizens, engaging diversity and versatility. Let us remain optimistic, for the challenges of this time will rebound to a glorious fortune for us and generations yet to come,’ he concluded.
He also reiterated that every nation’s journey is like a marathon which requires resilience, tolerance, patience and determination, adding that the uncertainties and challenges of the present day Nigeria could not be compared to the limitless promises in the country.
On her part, veteran actress Joke Sylva has stated that she will not lose hope in Nigeria because she believed there was a lot to be hopeful for in the future of the country.
The beautiful Thespian who just clocked 60years urged Nigerians to continue to do their best individually to make today better than yesterday in the spirit of the Independence Day celebration of the country.
She stated that she believes Nigeria will be better even though it has been 61 years so far. She expressed her hope and pride in the Nigerian nation on her Instagram page where she declared that Nigeria will be better because the past must never be better than the future.
