The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to unite and make personal sacrifices in building the nation of their dreams as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In her goodwill message titled “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” the First Lady drew inspiration from the timeless words of thought leaders and statesmen, stressing the importance of patriotism, selflessness, and responsibility in national development.

Quoting Gebran Khalil Gebran’s 1925 essay “The New Frontier,” she recalled: “Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.”

She also cited the famous words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy during his 1961 inaugural address: “My fellow citizens, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Senator Tinubu said these enduring messages remain relevant to Nigeria’s quest for unity and progress.

“Let us all play our part to build the Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the First Lady said.