Hon. Azeez Oladapo Yusuf, popularly known as Ninolowo, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for renewed patriotism, patience and collective commitment to the nation’s development.
In his Independence Day message, Ninolowo said Nigeria had demonstrated remarkable resilience over the decades, urging citizens to remain calm and hopeful as the country navigates its current economic and developmental challenges.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging Nigerians to support the administration’s reform programme and remain optimistic about the future.
His message comes as the Federal Government marks Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary under the theme “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” The Federal Government has said the next phase of the reforms is focused on translating economic stabilisation into jobs, higher incomes, wider opportunities and improved living conditions.
Ninolowo, while acknowledging that Nigerians have faced difficult times, said the present challenges should not extinguish hope in the country’s future.
According to him, “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
He therefore called for patience and constructive support for the Federal Government, particularly as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
The Agege politician also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing his administration as part of the state’s continuing development trajectory.
He said Lagosians should sustain the developmental direction of the state by supporting continuity, specifically referring to Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who is the APC candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election. Hamzat was endorsed by the Lagos APC’s Governance Advisory Council and subsequently received President Tinubu’s endorsement.
Ninolowo’s position is that continuity should be viewed as an opportunity to consolidate existing programmes while opening another chapter in Lagos’ development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier publicly endorsed Hamzat as his preferred successor, while the Lagos APC leadership adopted Hamzat as its consensus candidate.
Turning specifically to the people of Agege Constituency II, Ninolowo expressed appreciation for the confidence and support he said they had continued to demonstrate towards his political aspiration.
He appealed to his supporters to remain calm and steadfast, expressing confidence that he would emerge as their representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027.
He assured the people that his ambition was driven by a desire to serve and deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the constituency.
“As time goes on, I will let you know how we are going to achieve it, but be rest assured, I will be the one to represent you,” he said.
Ninolowo said his commitment to Agege was not simply about occupying political office but responding to what he described as a call to serve his people.
Reflecting on the interventions and counsel he has received from political and community leaders, Ninolowo acknowledged the roles played by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and other Agege leaders, as well as religious leaders, including pastors and imams.
He said their interventions had contributed to the broader conversations surrounding his political journey.
However, he maintained that the ultimate motivation behind his aspiration was his sense of responsibility to the people.
“This is a call to serve my people. Heaven won’t forgive me if I don’t respond to them because it is their call,” he said.
Ninolowo further urged his supporters to return to the grassroots and engage directly with the people.
“Let’s go to the field. If I fail, they will know that I tried my best rather than turning them down,” he stated.
His remarks signal an intention to focus his political campaign on direct grassroots engagement and a service-oriented message as the 2027 elections approach.
Ninolowo concluded his Independence message with prayers for peace, progress and prosperity across Agege, Lagos West, Lagos State, the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.
He expressed optimism that the country would emerge stronger from its present challenges and urged Nigerians to continue believing in the possibility of a better tomorrow.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, his message centred on hope, patience, continuity, grassroots representation and service, with a call for citizens to remain committed to building a stronger nation.
Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary is being marked nationwide today, October 1, 2026, with the Federal Government emphasising unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and the transition from economic reforms towards broader prosperity.
– Nino Media Office
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