The managing director of National Inland Water Ways Authority Chief Dr George Moghalu on the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary has taken time to appreciate the unity and strength of Nigeria. In a press release made available to news men, the Anambra born politician and administrator congratulated all Nigerians for sustaining the bond of unity and progress. He said; I am thankful to Almighty God for bringing us thus far.

Today we commemorate the celebration of our freedom and remember the sacrifices made by our founding fathers, after their considerable struggle to ensure the historic transfer of political power for our country, on which Nigeria has been built over 60 years, since Independence in 1960.

I salute the resilience and determination of Nigerians who are making immeasurable contributions to national development and growth.

Although, there are those that may say we have very little to celebrate, but we thank God for his benevolence.

In 60 years, Nigeria has faced many challenges, but we have overcome many of those challenges and made progress in multiple spheres of human endeavor.

For instance, in 1960, South Africa and Egypt had a larger economy than Nigeria, today our economy is the largest in Africa. That is a cause to celebrate. Also, life expectancy in Nigeria in 1960 was just 37.18 years but today, the average Nigerian has a life expectancy of 53.1 years.

As we mark our country’s 60th Independence Anniversary, let us remain steadfast, united and prayerful for our country to overcome her challenges.

Thankfully, the prevailing sentiment is that we as Nigerians would rather remain together even as we make positive efforts to build a more perfect union along the lines of the vision of our founding fathers.

We may not be where we ought to be as a nation, yet, we must be thankful that we are not where we used to be.

It is also incumbent on us all as citizens to pray for our leaders, so that God Almighty will continue to guide them aright, particularly in the face of the challenges confronting us as a country, especially this year, that globalization was tested as never before, arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, which has taken a heavy toll on us.

I want to use this opportunity to commend our President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR who is making commendable strides on so many fronts, most significantly the fight against graft, diversifying and revamping the economy, curbing insurgency and emerging crimes, promoting positive values in our national life, strengthening our democratic institutions and processes and achieving a respectable international standing.

Most importantly, my special respects and gratitude goes to the good people of Anambra State – our distinguished elders and leaders, the religious and clergy, public and civil servants, the artisans, members of the various professional bodies, market men and women and Ndi Anambra both at home and in the Diaspora.