President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to remain united and believe in the future of the country as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.   Akpabio, in a goodwill message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary. According to the Senate President, Nigeria’s independence represents the hopes of freedom, self-government and the determination to shape the country’s destiny. He said the nation’s founding fathers and generations of Nigerians had made sacrifices that created the foundation for the country’s future. Akpabio acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey has included “triumphs and trials, seasons of confidence and moments of uncertainty”, but said Nigerians had continued to strive, create, serve and believe. “We celebrate that resilience today: the strength of a people whose hopes have survived every storm,” he said. He identified farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs and young Nigerians as among those contributing daily to the country’s development, while also highlighting Nigeria’s music, enterprise, hospitality and achievements around the world. The Senate President also called for greater unity, saying the country’s diversity across languages, cultures and faiths should remain part of its national identity. He paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and security agencies who had lost their lives in service, while expressing gratitude to their families. Akpabio further assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to support the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen the country and improve the lives of citizens. He urged Nigerians to mark the anniversary with gratitude, friendship and renewed commitment to the country. “Independence is an inheritance renewed by every generation,” he said, urging citizens to keep faith with the possibilities before Nigeria. He concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and praying for the country’s leaders, homes and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.