Independence: YPF Urges Nigerians to Unite Beyond Ethnic, Religious Differences

The Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF) has called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity, religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The socio-cultural group said Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a source of strength and an opportunity for citizens from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds to work together towards building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

In an Independence Day statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji AbdulLateef Olalekan, popularly known as Asiri Ede, the group congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, while urging citizens to renew their commitment to the unity and progress of the country.

According to YPF, the attainment of political independence 66 years ago should continually remind Nigerians of the responsibility of building a nation where justice, peace, opportunity and dignity are available to all citizens.

“Independence is not only a celebration of our past; it is also a reminder of our collective responsibility for the Nigeria we want to leave for future generations. We must learn to see our diversity as a strength and not a reason for division,” the statement said.

The group stressed the importance of religious tolerance, urging Nigerians to respect the beliefs and practices of others irrespective of their faith.

It said religious differences should never be allowed to become a source of conflict, discrimination or political manipulation, noting that peaceful coexistence remained essential to national development.

“Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths have lived together for generations and contributed immensely to the growth of Nigeria. We must continue to respect one another’s faith and reject attempts to use religion to divide our people,” YPF stated.

The forum also called on citizens to recognise that national development was not the responsibility of government alone, urging individuals, community leaders, traditional institutions, religious organisations, professionals, businesses and civil society groups to contribute positively to the country.

It urged Nigerians to pay their taxes and civic obligations, obey the law, protect public property, reject corruption and promote peace in their communities.

According to the group, citizens should also support local businesses, encourage young people, protect the environment and use their various professions and skills to contribute to national growth.

YPF commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as efforts to reposition the Nigerian economy and address some longstanding structural challenges.

The commendation comes as President Tinubu, in his October 1 Independence Day address, said the administration was moving from the reform phase to an era focused on “shared and widespread prosperity,” with emphasis on jobs, enterprise, infrastructure, agriculture, education and reducing the cost of living.

The group, however, urged the Federal Government to do more to ensure that the benefits of economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“Government must continue to listen to the people and respond to their legitimate concerns. Nigerians expect an economy that creates jobs, supports businesses, improves infrastructure, strengthens security and makes food, transportation, healthcare and education more affordable,” it said.

The forum further urged the Federal Government to intensify investment in power supply, roads, agriculture, education, healthcare, industrial development and youth empowerment, stressing that these sectors were critical to improving living standards and creating opportunities.

It also called for greater transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, saying Nigerians should be able to see the impact of government policies and investments in their communities.

YPF appealed to political leaders across party lines to place national interest above partisan considerations and promote constructive engagement rather than actions capable of deepening ethnic, religious or regional divisions.

The group said Nigeria needed an atmosphere of peace and stability to attract investment, create employment and unlock the potential of its large youth population.

“Let us make this Independence Anniversary a renewed pledge to build bridges rather than walls. Let us disagree on policies without becoming enemies and compete politically without destroying the bonds that hold us together as a people,” the statement added.

The YPF National Coordinator urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the Nigerian project, saying the country possessed enormous human and natural resources capable of supporting sustainable development if properly harnessed.

Alhaji Olalekan said YPF would continue to promote cultural understanding, responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence and values that strengthen the unity and development of Nigeria.

“On this 66th Independence Anniversary, we celebrate Nigeria not because the journey has been perfect, but because we believe in what Nigeria can become. The responsibility belongs to all of us—government and citizens alike—to build a country that our children and future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.

He congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary and prayed for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress across the country.