Nigeria @ 66: Nigerians must be more Nigerian to Nigeria —NASFAT

Abdullateef Fowewe

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, NASFAT President Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf FCS has called on citizens to deepen patriotism through everyday actions rather than ceremonial displays.

“Too often, we focus on what the country should do for us while paying less attention to what we owe the country,” he said in a statement dated October 1.

Quoting the Qur’an, he noted, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (13:11), stressing that national renewal begins with individual character and responsibility.

AbdulRauf urged Nigerians to “support and trust the ongoing reform efforts of President Bola Tinubu, while remaining committed to accountability and national progress,” adding that transformational journeys are often challenging at the start.

He framed diversity as a national asset, saying, “Our differences should never become barriers that divide us. Instead, they should serve as sources of strength, innovation, and mutual understanding.”

The NASFAT boss concluded with a call to reject corruption, uphold justice, and place national interest above narrow gains, “A better Nigeria is possible when citizens work together with sincerity and determination.”