PBAT Door 2 Door Movement Celebrates 65 Years of Independence
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, the PBAT Door 2 Door Movement joined millions of citizens in celebrating the nation’s resilience, unity, and democratic journey. Speaking at a commemorative event, the National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, described the milestone as “an incredible milestone that reflects our strength as a people and our unity in diversity.”
“As a nation, we celebrate our founding fathers, our fallen heroes, and all past leaders whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the freedom we enjoy today,” Asuku said. “Without their labour and effort, we would not be where we are.”
The Movement, operating under the grand patronage of High Chief Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, peace, and development, urging Nigerians to shun corruption, banditry, and insecurity. “As we celebrate 65 years of independence, let us promote peace, unity, growth, and development. Let us rally behind President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria shall be great again if we work together as one people with one destiny,” Asuku emphasised.
Former President Jonathan Urges Optimism and Patriotism
Former President Goodluck Jonathan called on Nigerians not to despair in the face of current challenges, urging citizens to continue nurturing hope in the country’s potential. In his goodwill message issued by his Media Adviser, Okechukwu Eze, Jonathan noted that the independence anniversary offers an opportunity for reflection on Nigeria’s collective journey.
“It is true that we face challenges that could test our sense of hope; insecurity, economic disparities and institutions that often struggle to deliver on the promises of improved wellbeing, peace and security. Yet, as citizens, we must not lose faith. We must continue to nurture hope and sustain belief in the nation’s enormous potential and the resilience of the people,” Jonathan said.
He further praised Nigeria’s abundant resources, cultural richness, and the ingenuity of its people. “Our cultural richness, our knowledge, and our wisdom have continued to distinguish Nigerians across every sphere of human endeavour, both at home and abroad,” he stated.
Jonathan urged Nigerians to let patriotism guide their actions. “Let us hold firmly to optimism and faith, knowing that the greatness of our country is within reach, if we remain united and steadfast. May our nation continue to rise in strength and purpose,” he said.
Zulum Reflects on Resilience and Recovery
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State acknowledged the challenges faced over six and a half decades but emphasised that Nigeria has consistently emerged stronger. In a statement marking the anniversary, he congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, commending the President’s support for armed forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
“Peace cannot be complete without restoration. Therefore, we have undertaken the most ambitious resettlement programme in Nigeria. We have successfully closed all the official internally displaced persons (IDP) camps within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, moving our people from a state of dependency to dignity and self-reliance,” Governor Zulum said.
He highlighted progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and trade, noting that communities affected by insurgency are gradually returning to normalcy. “On this Independence Day, let us draw strength from our collective resilience. Let us renew our commitment to unity, peace, and the progress of Borno State within a prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
State Govs Urge Unity and National Development
Across the country, other state governors also marked the occasion with calls for unity and constructive engagement. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, emphasised the importance of national cohesion, drawing lessons from populous nations such as India and China. “The tendencies that divide us must be suppressed; we must lift up the tendencies that unite. That way, Nigeria will be greater than what it is today,” Makinde stated.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged citizens to support the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and “MORE Agenda,” highlighting investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and foreign direct investment as key drivers of economic growth and social development. “We must remain steadfast in building a stronger and more united nation,” he said.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended President Tinubu for his economic reforms and social initiatives, while detailing state-level infrastructure and social development projects. “Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader. We must continue to appreciate Mr President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering and massive infrastructural developments,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, called for continued optimism and unity, stressing that the nation’s future depends on collective action and adherence to inclusive development principles. “At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course,” Mbah said.
Wike Emphasises Peace and Progress
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, highlighted development initiatives in Abuja, including road construction, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, attributing improvements to the synergy between the FCT Administration and the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Amid the various challenges we face as a nation, we are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We have a President who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and has brought unprecedented development to the FCT,” Wike stated.
First Lady Calls for Active Citizenship
In Abuja, the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, urged Nigerians to actively contribute to nation-building. Drawing on historical references, she said, “Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you, or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.”
Media Reflections on Nigeria’s Journey
Lagos Post Online, through its Managing Director Damilare Bankole, described the anniversary as a testament to Nigeria’s spirit. “At 65, Nigeria stands tall as a nation of extraordinary potential and unyielding resilience. Despite our struggles, we have proven time and again that we are a people who rise above challenges with courage and determination,” he said.
As the green and white flag flies today, Nigerians are reminded not only of their shared history but also of their collective responsibility to build a nation worthy of its promise.
Embrace Unity, Resist Divisive Politics – Masari
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political and Other Matters, called on citizens to embrace unity and reject divisive politics.
In a statement to commemorate the anniversary, Masari expressed “unalloyed joy” over the country’s progress despite its diversity and challenges. Invoking the symbolism of the “broom principle,” he highlighted the strength of togetherness.
“A strand of broom is easily broken but a bunch of broom is hardly broken. The important thing is that we are better and stronger together,” he said, urging Nigerians to contribute positively to the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.
Masari also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as transformative and a demonstration of strong capacity to restore Nigeria to the path of progress. “This is a time that all Nigerians are being carried along… so the spirit of divisiveness should die a natural death,” he said.
He listed improvements across key sectors, including education, security, infrastructure, health, finance, and the economy, and warned against political distractions. “Every scheme to draw us back by any political consideration should not only be thwarted but resisted,” Masari stated, assuring citizens that better days lie ahead.
Onochie Reacts to Cancellation of Independence Celebrations
Former aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, also weighed in on the 65th Independence Anniversary, reacting to the cancellation of official public festivities. Speaking via her X (formerly Twitter) account, Onochie congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, insisting that the spirit of nationhood remained alive.
“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians, home and abroad. Those who cancelled the celebration of our nationhood today are in trouble. Their arrogance has ended their tenure, two years before it expires. We will help them,” she wrote.
Identifying herself with the “Handshake Movement” and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Volunteer Network, she expressed optimism about Nigeria’s political future. “We are the #HandShakeMovement, the ADC Volunteer Network. We #HoldTheGround. The future is bright. The future is ADC, when Nigerians shall celebrate their nationhood and have representation in the comity of nations,” Onochie added.
She emphasised that despite the absence of a formal parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, the 65th Independence Anniversary remained symbolic and deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. “They can cancel celebrating at the Parade Grounds, but the parade for the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved nation, Nigeria, remains in our hearts. God bless Nigeria,” she said.
