Nigeria at 65: Ex-PDP Chairman Urges Bold Reforms, Inclusive Governance

|By Chinwendu Nwani

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Prince Tochukwu Okorie, has declared that the milestone should serve as more than a celebration of survival. He urged leaders to chart a bold new course that reflects the founding fathers’ vision of a just, prosperous, and inclusive nation.

Okorie, in a statement to mark the anniversary, said the country’s future depends on building robust institutions, deepening inclusive governance, and accelerating development.

“Nigeria was born with immense promise—vast resources, rich diversity, and unmatched human talent—but much of that promise remains unfulfilled,” he noted. “Cycles of optimism and setbacks, corruption, insecurity, and weak institutions continue to erode public trust and opportunities.”

He, however, praised the resilience of Nigerians whose creativity has elevated the country’s music, literature, technology, and entrepreneurship onto the global stage. He also pointed out Nigeria’s achievement of 26 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, describing it as “rare on the continent.”

Okorie challenged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and deliver results by strengthening independent institutions, enforcing transparency, and waging an impartial fight against corruption. He stressed that oil revenue alone cannot sustain a population of over 200 million and called for urgent investments in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.

He added that peace and justice remain prerequisites for progress, urging security reforms, community engagement, and swift justice to end impunity. According to him, Nigeria must also embrace genuine federalism, fair resource allocation, and inclusive policymaking that prioritizes women, youth, and marginalized communities.

“Nigeria has shown it can remain united,” Okorie said. “Now we must prove we can thrive together. The real test of independence lies in transforming our enormous potential into real security, equity, and prosperity for every Nigerian.”