President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to set aside their divisions and work together for the country’s progress, insisting that unity is essential to building sustainable prosperity.

The President made the call through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at a special Juma’a prayer held on Friday at the National Mosque, Abuja, to commence activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Delivering Tinubu’s message, Idris said the nation’s future could only be secured through a collective sense of responsibility.

Idris told worshippers, “Mr President has enjoined me to ask all Nigerians, irrespective of whatever affiliations you have, to come together in unity so that our march towards sustainable prosperity can be achieved.”

He noted that despite political, economic, and security challenges over the years, Nigeria was now on the path of sustainable development.

Idris further stated, “Indeed, 65 years is a long one in the history of any developing nation. Our country has passed through numerous challenges, but alhamdulilah, today Nigeria is on the path of sustainable development.”

According to him, this year’s anniversary theme, “All Hands on Deck for the Progress and Development of Our Nation”, captures the administration’s belief that prosperity requires cohesion and dedication.

In his sermon, one of the National Mosque Imams, Professor Luqman Zakariya, offered prayers for divine guidance for the country’s leaders while urging Nigerians to shun corruption, tribalism, and injustice.

“The source of peace, we seek your peace upon Nigeria, dispel the cloud of insecurity and establish lasting peace and tranquility throughout our land,” he prayed.

The prayer session drew dignitaries from across the political and diplomatic spectrum. Among them were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, members of the Federal Executive Council, senators, House of Representatives members, state representatives, and foreign diplomats.

Ambassadors from Algeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina were also present.

The independence commemoration will continue with an inter-denominational church service on Sunday, a press conference on Monday, followed by the presidential broadcast and anniversary parade on October 1.