FULL TEXT OF ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR AHMED USMAN ODODO OF KOGI STATE TO THE STATE TO COMMEMORATE NIGERIA’S 64TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, THIS 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024

Fellow Kogites, my dear compatriots, It is with great joy that I address you today on this special occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in celebrating this milestone in our journey as a nation. I felicitate with the good people of Kogi State and all Nigerians as we mark 64 years of our nation’s emancipation from British colonial rule. Today, we honor the national heroes from every corner of this great country who fought courageously for our freedom. Their sacrifices remind us that our liberty was hard-earned, and we must cherish and safeguard it. We also commend all leaders – both civilian and military – who have governed Nigeria, and those who have led us in our dear State too, since independence. Though none of them were perfect, each contributed to keeping Nigeria and Kogi State united and moving forward. Our journey as a nation has not been without challenges. We are a country of great diversity – territories, tribes, ...