By Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Aare Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje, has said that true independence is incomplete until Nigerians enjoy freedom from poverty, as the nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In his Independence message, issued on Thursday, Omo-Aje said October 1 provides an opportunity to celebrate the historic moment in 1960 when Nigeria gained sovereignty after decades of colonial domination.
He recalled the heroic struggles of the founding fathers, including Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who fought gallantly to secure the country’s political freedom.
According to him, the founding fathers envisioned more than flag independence; they dreamed of a Nigeria where every citizen would live in dignity, prosperity, and unity.
Omo-Aje said that 66 years later, the vision has been only partially fulfilled: political freedom has been achieved, but economic freedom for the majority remains elusive.
He noted that many families across the country still struggle with hunger, unemployment, the rising cost of living, and a lack of basic amenities, making the independence story incomplete.
The AA presidential candidate therefore declared that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and that the poor should also breathe the air of freedom from poverty. He insisted that economic liberation must be the next frontier in the nation’s journey toward independence.
He stressed that independence will be meaningful only when the market woman in Kaduna, the farmer in Niger, and the youth in Lagos can feel the impact of governance in their daily lives.
Omo-Aje congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his cabinet on the anniversary, commending the president’s efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition the economy.
He said President Tinubu has shown courage in making tough decisions to stabilize the nation and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
While commending the administration, he called for sober reflection on the state of the nation, particularly the economy, security, and national stability, which are critical to achieving true freedom.
He said insecurity has disrupted farming, trade, and schooling in many parts of the country and must be decisively addressed to realize economic freedom.
Omo-Aje also emphasized that the North’s diversity should be a strength, not a source of division, noting that unity in the region and across Nigeria is essential to fighting poverty collectively.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, patriotic, and united, and to support leaders in building a nation where freedom means prosperity for all, not just a few.