By Michael Ovat -Awka
As Nigeria marks it 66 years of independence today, October 1st, 2026, the Special Adviser to the Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Obinna Omenugha, has called on Nigerians, particularly, young Nigerians to look beyond the celebration.
Omenugha, who called was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Thursday, also urged the youth to engaged on legal activities that will make Nigeria better.
According to him, Independence gave us a nation, but the responsibility of building that nation rests with all of us.
“it is important for us, particularly young Nigerians, to look beyond the celebration and ask ourselves a fundamental question: What am I doing to make Nigeria better?
“National development cannot depend solely on government. It requires citizens who understand that freedom comes with responsibility, rights come with duties, and the strength of a nation is ultimately reflected in the character, choices and contributions of its people.
“Nigeria’s young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are a critical force in the Nigeria of today. Our population, energy, creativity, courage and ingenuity represent enormous national assets. The challenge before us is to transform this potential into purpose, productivity and measurable impact. We must raise a generation that acquires relevant skills, creates legitimate enterprises, embraces technology and innovation, respects the law, protects public property, preserves the environment and contributes meaningfully to community life.
“This is at the heart of the Youth Reformation agenda of Governor Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, which seeks to build the New Onye Anambra – restoring values, building character and creating opportunity. The goal is not simply to empower young people, but to develop capable, responsible, self-reliant and productive citizens who understand that opportunity must be matched with character and that progress must be anchored on responsibility.
“As we build a better Nigeria, we must also confront the culture of shortcuts and instant wealth. There is nothing wrong with ambition; indeed, ambition is necessary for progress. But the path we choose to success matters. Young Nigerians must reject fraud, cultism, drug abuse, violence, ritual wealth-seeking and every other pathway that destroys lives, families and communities. We must promote a culture that celebrates learning, enterprise, creativity, honest work, innovation and value creation. Be a creator, not a criminal. Be a solution provider, not a problem multiplier.
“Patriotism must move beyond words, flags and ceremonies. It must be visible in our everyday conduct. It is patriotism to keep our environment clean, protect public facilities, respect the rights of others, obey legitimate laws, reject corruption, speak up against wrongdoing and contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. It is patriotism to build a business, acquire a skill, mentor a younger person, create employment, solve a problem or simply choose integrity when nobody is watching.
“We must therefore move beyond the question, “What will Nigeria do for me?” and increasingly ask, “What can I contribute to Nigeria?”
“Government has an important responsibility to provide quality education, infrastructure, security, economic opportunities and an enabling environment where citizens can thrive. But citizens, too, must take responsibility for using these opportunities productively and contributing to the common good. Our approach to youth development must therefore combine opportunity with responsibility, skills with character, ambition with service, and freedom with accountability.
The Nigeria we desire will not be built by government action alone. It will emerge from millions of responsible choices made every day by citizens across the country. It will be built by the young person who chooses skill over idleness, enterprise over dependency, integrity over shortcuts, innovation over excuses and service over selfishness.
“On this Independence Anniversary, therefore, my message to every young Nigerian is simple: Learn, Create, Build, Serve, Protect and Lead. Start where you are. Use what you have. Solve the problems within your reach. Make yourself useful. Make your community better. And wherever you find yourself, remember that your choices contribute to the kind of Nigeria we will ultimately have, Omenugha concluded.
