Nigeria clocks 64 years as a self-governing nation today. Our nation gained its freedom from the British colonial masters. We at Daily Trust congratulate every Nigerian for witnessing this day.

It Is indeed a remarkable achievement given that many countries with less challenges than ours are still struggling to stand on their feet. Many are still at war because they could not agree to live together.

Over the last six decades and a half of our independence, Nigeria has survived a 30-month-old civil war and we are able to unite again. We have also been successful in finding ways to accommodate one another in spite of our ethnic and religious differences.

We also faced several other challenges, including military rule but now run a stable democracy in the last 25 years. Nigeria has also defied agents of doomsday, who predicted its disintegration, but is yet, still one united indivisible country.

Again, over these years, the country has seen tremendous development in infrastructure and other sectors. Nigeria is still a leader not only in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), but also in other regional and international arenas.

We are conscious of the fact that for the majority of Nigerians, our country could have done much better than this. This is more so given its enormous human and natural resources, which are found in every corner of the country. Many may argue that there is little hope for the nation to turn around its fortunes.

The past one year has seen many challenges in the daily life of the average Nigerian. Many citizens have seen their income dwindle in the face of rising cost of commodities, especially food items and transportation.

In addition, we are faced with serious security challenges with banditry, armed robbery and other criminalities making life stressful for Nigerians.

However, these challenges should serve to push us to strive to change things for the better.

Despite all the challenges, we at Daily Trust believe that every Nigerian must deeply reflect on the situation in the country, and recommit to making things better.

The success of any nation largely depends on the commitment of its citizens to play positive roles towards its development. There is no nation that relies on outsiders to achieve progress. This is more so in a world that is witnessing increasing unilateralism. Nations now guard their resources. Many are changing their laws to favour only their citizens.

Thus we, as Nigerians have no option than to look inward. Happily, we are known for our resilience.

We equally believe that our leaders have greater responsibility to ensure that the country is always on course to development. They, therefore, must show selflessness and commitment in discharging their responsibilities to the nation. They must ensure that they lead by example, show patriotism and sacrifice to the cause of the nation.

In turn, we as citizens must also show our love for the nation. Nigeria deserves nothing less than commitment from all its citizens, irrespective of position or economic wellbeing.

In the last few months the nation has witnessed protests arising from the high cost of living. One is also being planned for today. While we believe it is the right of citizens to protest, we call on the organisers to ensure peaceful conduct of their followers. Nigeria cannot once again afford the destruction and chaos that was experienced during the August protests across the country. We also appeal to law enforcement agents to ensure that they follow the best rule of engagement in managing the situation.

Our nation has come a long way in its chequered history, and we believe the mounting challenges should serve as motivation to turn it around.

Daily Trust wishes all Nigerians a happy independence anniversary. (Daily Trust Editorial)

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