Independence Day: Otti Urges Nigerians To Embrace Vigilance & Active Citizenship

EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD 

Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has called on Nigerians to embrace the duties of responsible citizenship and remain vigilant in protecting the freedoms and democratic gains achieved since the country attained independence in 1960.

Governor Otti made the call in his 2026 Independence Day broadcast, in which he reflected on Nigeria’s 66 years of nationhood and the sacrifices of the men and women who fought for self governance.

The Governor acknowledged the challenges confronting the country, including inadequate infrastructure, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and limited access to quality education and healthcare. He, however, urged Nigerians not to allow disappointment to degenerate into despair, stressing that the country still possesses the human talent, resources and ingenuity required to reclaim its potential and achieve sustainable development.

Governor Otti said nation building was a collective responsibility that transcended political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or social status. He urged citizens to participate actively in democratic processes by voting, contributing to national conversations, paying taxes, obeying laws, rejecting corruption and demonstrating diligence and excellence in their various endeavours. He also cautioned against mediocrity, greed, nepotism and clannishness, which he identified as impediments to national development.

The Governor further urged Nigerians to take advantage of the freedoms guaranteed by democracy to demand accountable and competent leadership, warning that the country’s development aspirations would remain difficult to achieve if citizens stayed away from elections, sold their votes or voted based on primordial sentiments.

He commended security personnel, teachers, health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers, scientists, artists, sportspeople and other Nigerians contributing to nation building.

Addressing the people of Abia State, Otti expressed appreciation for their support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rapid socioeconomic transformation of the state. He pledged that the government would continue to strengthen systems and institutions that respond to the people’s development aspirations, while prioritising their security and welfare.

The Governor concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that the freedoms won through the struggles of previous generations could only be preserved through the collective vigilance of the present and future generations.