The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom) congratulates Nigerians as the nation marks her 60th Independent Anniversary.

Senator Ekwunife joined Nigerians, home and abroad in celebrating the nation’s diamond anniversary which denotes the country’s 60 years of Independence.

Ekwunife recognized the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Together Shall We Be’, as one that calls for a greater inclusiveness in governance. She notes that sustaining the country’s unity requires effective engagement of all people in governance, taking into account gender and other facets of personal, ethnic and religious identity.

The Senator stressed the need for government institutions to make policies, processes, and services of government accessible, accountable and responsive to all members of the society as the government strives to strengthen the principles of unity and togetherness upon which our nation is founded.

Senator Ekwunife commended the Federal Government for utilizing the opportunity of this year’s Independent anniversary to promote the country’s unity. She however calls for more efforts towards ensuring that all parts of the country is given a true sense of belonging in line with the ideas of our founding fathers.

The Senator Ekwunife identified women and youths participation in governance as necessary in addressing the general challenges of inclusiveness in governance. She calls on government and revelant institutions to put measures in place to dismantle gender stereotypes, which according to her must begin with educating and empowering the girlchild as well as reflect gender inclusiveness in political and leadership appointments.

Ekwunife noted that 60 years is more than enough time for the youths and women of Nigeria to play a more active role in the nation’s decision making process. According to her, “60 years is enough time for Nigerian youths to be heard. It is enough time for the women and youths of our nation to begin to play a major role in nation building”.

The Federal Lawmaker further noted that addressing the challenges of youth unemployment is essential to building a peaceful and unified nation. She states that the level of youth unemployment in the country is alarming, and if left unchecked can have serious social consequences, particulary when the unemployed youths lack hope of a better future.

Senator Ekwunife called on the nation to use the opportunity of this year’s celebration to intensify efforts towards building an export oriented economy where the country produces majority of what it consumes and improves her balance of trade through export of valuable goods and services. She notes that this can be achieved with the right investment in science, technology, innovation and research which according to her is key to mitigating Nigeria’s high import dependency.

Ekwunife encouraged government at all levels to remain committed to building a nation where every citizen regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or class will have the opportunity to thrive.

The Senator wished all Nigerians, Ndi Anambra and the good people of Anambra Central Senatorial District, a Happy Independence Day celebration. She enjoins all citizens to play their part in strengthening the nation’s democracy and prays for God’s blessings upon our nation, Nigeria.