More messages on hope, patriotism, unity, prayer, resilience, and cooperation poured in from Nigerian leaders and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as the country celebrated its 64th Independence anniversary yesterday.

The leaders — former President Goodluck Jonathan, Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Senate President David Mark — all agreed that with the exhibition of the listed qualities by Nigerians, the nation would overcome the myriad of challenges confronting it.

Many governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara),  and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), were also on the same page with Jonathan and others.

Some of them were emphatic that the reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would in no distant time yield positive results.

Other governors are Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia) and  Peter Mbah (Enugu).

The rest are Sheriff Obrevwori (Delta), Babagana Zulum (Borno),  Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Francis Nwifuru, Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Godwin Obaseki (Edo),  Dikko Radda (Katsina) Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Nasir Idris (Kebbi) and  Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto),

Dr. Jonathan enjoined    Nigerians to remain optimistic and resilient in facing the country’s challenges.

He said in a statement by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, that October 1 marked a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

Jonathan said: “Over time, we have made modest progress in our hopes and shared dreams as citizens of our nation.

“We have had sustained democracy in this 4th Republic for 25 years, after seeing the end of military rule in 1999.

“We have recorded perceptible growth in our economy and our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We have to sustain our unity and belief in the social fabric of our nation.”

In a post on her X(formerly Twitter) handle, Okonjo-Iweala said Nigerians must always strive for the best    because Nigeria is considered as  one of the most interesting countries in the world.’’

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala wrote: ‘’Wishing Nigerians a Happy 64th Independence Anniversary! Though times are tough internationally and nationally we should appreciate that we are from one of the most interesting countries in the world with some of the most exciting and entrepreneurial people in the world! I certainly appreciate and thank God for this!!.’’

Former Senate President Mark called for sober reflection by political leaders.

He said   that  despite its challenges  Nigeria “is endowed with human and natural resources capable of turning the country’s fortunes around for good.”

“This is achievable if all citizens are patriotic and united with a common mission and purpose,’’  he stated.

Mark cautioned against statements that exacerbate the country’s already fragmented atmosphere.