The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, has urged Nigerians to strengthen national unity, support security agencies and uphold peaceful democratic engagement as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Desk: National Affairs
Date: 1 October 2026
Time: 07:50 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
In his Independence Day message, Okafor congratulated the Federal Government and Nigerians at home and abroad, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers, reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence on 1 October 1960, and renew the collective commitment to building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous country.
AANI said Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and poverty, should reinforce rather than weaken the determination of citizens to build a better nation. The association also reaffirmed its commitment to national development through policy advocacy, strategic engagement, constructive dialogue and collaboration with governments, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders.
The AANI President paid tribute to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the intelligence community and other security and law-enforcement agencies for their sacrifices in protecting citizens and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity. He honoured personnel who had died in service and acknowledged those continuing to serve under difficult and dangerous conditions.
Okafor urged security and intelligence personnel to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities while calling on citizens to support their work by providing credible information, obeying the law and promoting peaceful coexistence in their communities.
He also encouraged AANI members to sustain their contributions to national development and support policies and initiatives that promote good governance, security, economic growth and social cohesion.
Addressing the approaching political season, the AANI President called on political leaders, parties, aspirants, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly, avoiding hate speech, personal attacks and actions capable of deepening divisions.
He advocated issue-based campaigns that allow Nigerians to assess competing policies, programmes and visions for the country, stressing the importance of tolerance, mutual respect, civility and adherence to the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
Okafor further urged Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious, political or regional affiliations, to uphold patriotism, justice, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, noting that nation-building requires shared responsibility and collective sacrifice.
He concluded with prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity, asking God to grant wisdom to the country’s leaders, protect security personnel, comfort families affected by insecurity and preserve the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
🏷️ Tags: AANI, Emmanuel Obi Okafor, Nigeria Independence Day, National Unity, National Security, Electoral Peace
#ZigPressRelease #ZigDiariesNationalAffairs #NigeriaAt66 #AANI #NationalUnity #ElectoralPeace
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