Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has called on Nigerians to renew their faith in the country, strengthen national unity and remain committed to building a more prosperous and inclusive society as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

In her Independence Day message, the senator reflected on the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding generation and said the anniversary should remind both leaders and citizens of their responsibility to contribute to national development.

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Kogi State and people across Kogi Central, to remain hopeful about the country's future while paying attention to opportunities capable of improving livelihoods and expanding economic participation.

She said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence had been marked by difficult periods but also by the resilience of its people. She called for continued unity, courage and collective responsibility in addressing the country’s challenges.

The senator also acknowledged the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Development Plan for 2026–2030 places emphasis on economic diversification, human capital development, infrastructure, private-sector-led growth and stronger development at the state and local government levels.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said Nigerians should recognise areas where progress is being recorded while continuing to demand accountability and improvements where challenges remain.

She also urged Kogi residents to position themselves to benefit from opportunities linked to investments in education, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and other productive sectors.

The senator pointed to the importance of skills, enterprise and technological development in preparing young people for changing economic conditions. She also encouraged greater attention to sectors capable of creating jobs and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Her comments come as she continues her representation of Kogi Central, which comprises Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Okene and Ogori-Magongo local government areas. Recent initiatives publicly associated with her office include digital learning interventions in schools across the district and a 10,000-tree environmental project launched in July 2026.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said effective representation should extend beyond occupying a legislative position and should include engagement with constituents, legislative activity and efforts to attract development opportunities to the district.

Her public platform lists initiatives involving areas such as digital access, education, water and energy infrastructure, economic empowerment and industrial development. These are claims and programmes associated with her office and should be assessed against their implementation and documented outcomes.

On the political front, Akpoti-Uduaghan is the PDP candidate for the Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 election after receiving the party’s Certificate of Return in June 2026.

She has also been involved in preparations for the 2027 election, with the Kogi Central PDP campaign organisation inaugurated in August under her leadership.

In her Independence Day message, however, the senator framed the coming period more broadly around citizen participation, development and national responsibility. She urged Nigerians to look beyond political, ethnic, religious and social differences and work towards a stronger and more united country.

She also encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education and the creative economy, stressing the importance of creating an environment where young people's skills and ideas can translate into productive livelihoods.

Akpoti-Uduaghan congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed optimism that continued reforms, responsible leadership and active citizen participation could contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia