As Nigeria celebrates her 65th Independence Anniversary, former Enugu State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Professor Victor Nnam, has expressed optimism about the country’s future, stating that despite prevailing economic hardships, Nigeria is firmly on the path to progress and recovery.

In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, Prof. Nnam acknowledged the tough realities many Nigerians are currently facing but urged citizens not to lose hope, stressing that the difficulties are temporary and will eventually give way to prosperity.

“At 65, Nigeria has come a long way. Yes, there are challenges, economic, social, and political, but there is also undeniable progress,” he said.

“The current hardship biting hard across the nation is not permanent. It is a season and like every season, it will pass.”

Prof. Nnam, a seasoned land administration and geoinformatics highlighted the resilience and potential of the Nigerian people, emphasizing that nation-building is a long-term journey that requires sacrifice, patience and unity.

“No nation develops overnight. The progress we seek will only come through sustained efforts, reforms and the collective will to do things differently. We must remain united, focused and optimistic,” he noted.

He also commended Nigerians for their enduring spirit and urged both leaders and citizens to work together to build a society rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity for all.

“We must continue to hold our leaders accountable, but also play our part as responsible citizens. This is the time to deepen our commitment to national values and support initiatives that can transform our economy and institutions,” Prof. Nnam added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, Prof. Nnam called for renewed patriotism and a shift from the politics of division to the politics of development.

“As we mark 65 years as an independent nation, let us choose unity over division, progress over stagnation and hope over despair.”

By Onyiba Shepherdman Iyioku

In the heart of Africa, Nigeria’s leadership landscape has been marred by a vicious cycle of self-serving politicians. Like a ship without a rudder, the nation drifts aimlessly, crippled by corruption and ineptitude.

However, a beacon of hope has emerged in Enugu State with the arrival of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

Mbah’s leadership style is akin to a master architect, building a strong foundation for a brighter future. Unlike the traditional politicians who prioritize personal gain, Mbah’s focus is on developing the state’s economic institutions.

This approach has raised eyebrows among some individuals, who expected the governor to share the state’s wealth for personal enrichment and political patronage.

Instead, Mbah’s administration is committed to creating wealth and distributing it evenly and not the usual sharing of the people’s common patrimony to the selected few.

The governor’s decision to utilize the state’s resources for the greater good of the people, rather than lining the pockets of a select few, has been met with criticism from some quarters.

However, Mbah remains undeterred, driven by a desire to serve the people and build a better future for the citizens of Enugu State.

The governor’s vision is a breath of fresh air, a departure from the norm. While others wait for monthly allocations, Mbah is busy laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining economy. Enugu State is undergoing a metamorphosis, with reconstruction, rebuilding, and refurbishment efforts in full swing.

The result is a multifaceted economic foundation that will propel the state towards prosperity.

Mbah’s leadership model is a challenge to the status quo. He is not beholden to the traditional patronage system, where politicians are rewarded for their loyalty rather than their merit. Instead, he is driven by a desire to serve the people, to build a better future for the citizens of Enugu State.

In a society where leadership has often been synonymous with personal enrichment, Mbah’s approach is revolutionary.

He is a leader who is willing to take risks, to challenge the norms, and to forge a new path. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Enugu State will never be the same again.

As the state continues to evolve, one thing is certain, Peter Mbah’s leadership will be remembered as a turning point in its history. The governor’s commitment to ideal leadership has set a new standard, one that will inspire future generations to strive for greatness.

In conclusion, Peter Mbah’s emergence has indeed changed the narrative in Enugu State.

His leadership model is a beacon of hope, a shining example of what true leadership should be. As the state continues to grow and develop, one thing is clear, the future looks bright, and it’s all thanks to the vision and leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

Onyiba Shepherdman Iyioku

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has extended warm felicitations to the government and people of Enugu State, joining millions across the country and the diaspora in celebrating this national milestone.

In a statement released by the Command, CP Giwa described the anniversary as a moment for sober reflection, national pride, and renewed commitment to the ideals of unity, peace and progress, values that continue to shape Nigeria’s journey despite prevailing socio-economic and security challenges.

“This historic day offers us another opportunity to reflect on God’s enduring faithfulness to our nation,” the Commissioner stated. “It is a time to hold fast to the principles that bind us together as a people, our unity, resilience and shared hope for a better tomorrow.”

Reaffirming the Enugu State Police Command’s dedication to public safety, CP Giwa assured residents of sustained efforts to safeguard lives and property across all parts of the state.

He emphasized that the Command remains proactive in combating crime, enhancing community policing, and fostering an atmosphere where all citizens can live and thrive in peace.

He also called on residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by remaining law-abiding, vigilant and cooperative, particularly in the face of efforts by criminal elements to disrupt public order.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” he noted. “The active participation and vigilance of the public are crucial in our ongoing mission to ensure a peaceful and secure Enugu State.”

“We celebrate not just the passage of time, but the progress we’ve made and the promise that lies ahead. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.”

The Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd, Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, on his recent elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Architect Chibuikem described the honour as a “well-deserved recognition” of Dr. Udeh’s transformative leadership in the justice sector, legal scholarship, and unwavering commitment to justice reform in Enugu State.

Dr. Udeh was among the 57 legal practitioners sworn in as SANs on Monday in Abuja by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, following their nomination in July 2025.

Architect Chibuikem praised Dr. Udeh’s sweeping reforms since assuming office in 2023, including the revitalization of community mediation centres, the digitalization of court processes and the enactment of progressive laws aimed at improving governance and service delivery in the state.

“Under his leadership, the Ministry of Justice has prepared over 18 bills, 15 of which have already been passed into law. These cover critical areas such as electricity regulation, land administration, environmental protection, and property rights,” the Powell Homes boss noted.

He also commended the Attorney General for initiating the Witness Trust Fund, a mechanism designed to protect witnesses and uphold the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Highlighting Dr. Udeh’s academic background, Chibuikem described him as “a scholar, teacher and reformer,” noting his academic journey from the University of Nottingham to earning a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

“His knowledge of law and governance has shaped policies that not only advance justice but also contribute meaningfully to development in Enugu State. He is respected not just as a lawyer, but as a mentor and a shining example for the next generation of legal professionals,” he added.

The MD further expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for providing Dr. Udeh with the platform to serve and shine, describing the governor as a “world-class leader whose administration is setting a new benchmark for governance in Nigeria.”

He pledged his full support for the governor’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and urged all citizens of Enugu State to rally behind the current administration in its mission to transform the state.

President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians at 7am on Wednesday, to mark the 65th Independence Day of Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

The address will be broadcast live on Channels Television and other major electronic media outlets.

This will be President Tinubu’s third Independence Day address since he took office on May 29, 2023.