Agu-Ejidike Hails Nigeria @66, Urges Greater Investment In Sports
Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports has congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th anniversary of the country’s nationhood .
Agu-Ejidike in a Statement called on the people to remain hopeful, patriotic and committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and united nation.
He said though Nigeria’s journey had been marked by significant challenges, including the three-year civil war, political upheavals, economic difficulties and insecurity, her survival and continued progress remained the reason 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.
“I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, public officials, members of the Armed Forces and security agencies, athletes, entrepreneurs, workers, students and all Nigerians on this occasion,” he said.
Agu-Ejidike said Nigeria was blessed with enormous human and natural resources, particularly a youthful population whose creativity, enterprise and resilience had continued to distinguish Nigerians globally.
He 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 adding that they should not give up on the country.
“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.
“I call for greater investment in sports as an instrument of youth development, employment generation, national unity, international diplomacy and economic growth.
“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 because 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.
The Anambra-born businessman 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,” he said.
