66TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: AGU-EJIDIKE URGES NIGERIANS TO BELIEVE IN NIGERIA, HARNESS HER POTENTIALS...Calls for Greater Investment in Sports and Collective Commitment to National Development

As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike (JP), congratulates Nigerians at home and abroad, urging them to remain hopeful, patriotic and committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and united nation.

Chief Agu-Ejidike, acknowledged that Nigeria's journey has been marked by significant challenges, including the three-year Civil War, political upheavals, economic difficulties and insecurity. However, he said the country's survival and continued progress remain reasons for hope and celebration.

“At 66, Nigeria has every reason to look back with gratitude and forward with renewed confidence. We have been through difficult seasons, but we have survived them. Our story may not be perfect, but it is a story of resilience and an enduring belief in the possibility of a better tomorrow,” he said.

The sports philanthropist stressed that Nigeria remains blessed with enormous human and natural resources, particularly a youthful population whose creativity, enterprise and resilience continue to distinguish Nigerians globally.

He therefore urged leaders at all levels to strengthen institutions, promote justice and accountability, invest in human capital and create an enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive.

He equally appealed to citizens not to lose faith in their country because of present difficulties.

“We can demand better leadership, better institutions and better governance while still believing deeply in Nigeria. Indeed, our love for Nigeria should give us the courage to demand that she fulfils her potential,” he said.

Chief Agu-Ejidike particularly called for greater investment in sports as an instrument of youth development, employment generation, national unity, international diplomacy and economic growth.

He noted that Nigeria's achievements in football, athletics, boxing, wrestling, basketball, para-sports and other disciplines have demonstrated the depth of talent available in the country.

“Sports has the power to unite what politics sometimes divides. When our athletes compete for Nigeria, they do so under one flag. We must therefore create the structures and opportunities that enable our young talents to flourish,” he said.

He called for sustained investment in sports infrastructure, grassroots competitions, coaching, sports science, talent identification, athlete welfare and professional administration, urging government, the private sector, sports federations and philanthropists to work together towards building a sustainable sports ecosystem.

The Anambra-born business mogul also urged Nigerians to support one another and contribute to their communities, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility.

“Our challenges are real, but so are our possibilities. Nigeria is greater than our present difficulties. Let us believe in Nigeria, believe in one another and invest in our young people. The Nigeria of our dreams will not be built by despair, but by courage, competence, patriotism and collective action,” he said.

He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, public officials, members of the Armed Forces and security agencies, athletes, entrepreneurs, workers, students and all Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Nnewi-born sports philanthropist expressed optimism that with responsible leadership, patriotic citizenship and deliberate investment in human capital, Nigeria can transform her enormous potential into prosperity for present and future generations.

Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Long live the Nigerian spirit.

Signed:................ 

Prince Ajide Olayioye 

Chairman, Office of the 

Nigeria's Pillar of Sports