Prince Tochukwu Okorie, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has said that Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary should not merely mark resilience, but serve as a call for decisive action toward realizing the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.
In a statement reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, Okorie emphasized the need for strong institutions, inclusive leadership, and rapid national development. He stressed that while Nigeria was endowed with vast resources and talent, much of its early promise remains unfulfilled due to corruption, insecurity, and institutional weakness.
He acknowledged the nation’s democratic strides since 1999 and praised the global impact of Nigerian creativity, but warned that celebration without progress is inadequate. Okorie called for public office to be treated as a responsibility, not a privilege, and for greater transparency and fairness in governance.
He further advocated investment in sectors beyond oil—like agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy—as well as reforms in security, justice, and inclusive policymaking. He concluded by asserting that Nigeria’s unity is established, but true independence will be measured by how well the country delivers equity, security, and prosperity for all citizens.