The Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO) Worldwide has called on the Federal Government to take stronger and more practical steps to address poverty, insecurity and the declining state of social amenities across Nigeria as the country celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The organisation made the call in an Independence Day statement signed by its President, Major General James Ataguba (retd.), while congratulating Nigerians and reflecting on the country’s journey since independence in 1960.

The UIO described Nigeria as a resilient nation that has continued to withstand significant political, economic and security challenges over the years. It reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, peace and progress of the country, while highlighting the contributions of the Igala people to national development.

According to the organisation, the Igala people have remained active participants in the Nigerian project through their contributions to national security, public service, education, commerce, culture and other areas of national life.

Ataguba also acknowledged the contributions of successive Nigerian administrations and citizens to the country's development. The organisation specifically recognised the economic and structural reforms being pursued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the reform process as difficult but important to the country's economic direction.

However, the UIO stressed that the reforms must ultimately produce meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. It expressed concern over the continued prevalence of multidimensional poverty, insecurity and the deterioration of social amenities, particularly at the grassroots.

The organisation urged the government to strengthen measures aimed at improving citizens' welfare and ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms are felt more widely across the country.

Its appeal comes against the backdrop of President Tinubu's October 1 Independence Day address, in which he defended the economic reforms introduced by his administration since 2023. The President argued that the measures were necessary to address longstanding weaknesses in the Nigerian economy and said the government was now focused on moving from reform towards broader prosperity.

The UIO also used the anniversary to reaffirm what it described as the Igala people's loyalty to Nigeria and their commitment to national unity and development. Ataguba called on Nigerians to recognise that nation-building is a shared responsibility that requires contributions from citizens as well as government.

The organisation expressed optimism about Nigeria's future despite the challenges confronting the country. It urged Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals of unity, peace, development and national progress as the country enters another year of independence.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia