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By Stella Omona
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Chief Ikechukwu Cornelius Anonye has called for a new direction in governance capable of translating the country’s vast human and natural resources into improved living conditions for citizens.
Anonye, who made the call in an Independence Day statement dated October 1, 2026, said Nigeria must move beyond celebrating its potential while millions of citizens continue to struggle with poverty, insecurity, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and the high cost of living.
He identified unreliable electricity, affordable housing, quality healthcare, efficient transportation, unemployment and underemployment, insecurity and poor infrastructure among the major challenges confronting Nigerians.
“Independence should mean more than the transfer of political authority. It should mean the freedom of our people from poverty, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and the inability to access basic services necessary for a dignified life,” he said.
According to him, successive governments have introduced various programmes and made promises, but the persistence of challenges affecting ordinary Nigerians requires a fundamental change in the approach to governance.
“Nigeria cannot continue to rely on the enormous potential of its population and resources without translating that potential into electricity, productive industries, decent jobs, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, efficient transportation and a secure environment.
“We cannot continue to celebrate our potential while our citizens struggle with the realities of everyday survival. The time has come for Nigeria to move from promises to measurable results,” Anonye stated.
He urged Nigerians to examine the various political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections and participate actively in determining the country’s leadership direction.
Anonye also expressed support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the party, in his view, provides a platform through which Nigerians could demand a different approach to governance.
He, however, urged voters to carefully examine the programmes, records, qualifications and policy proposals of all candidates and political parties before making their choices.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. The responsibility to change the direction of our country does not belong to politicians alone. It belongs to every voter, every community, every young Nigerian, every woman and every patriotic citizen,” he said.
The businessman also called for a national development agenda that prioritises reliable electricity, human security, affordable healthcare, housing, modern transportation, quality education, employment, food security and industrial development.
He particularly urged Nigerian youths to remain engaged in the political process, stressing that the country’s future should be shaped through active and peaceful democratic participation.
“Our independence must translate into independence from poverty, fear, unemployment and deprivation. Nigerians deserve a country where government works for the people and where national resources are converted into opportunities and improved living conditions,” Anonye declared.
He urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with vigilance, unity and patriotism and exercise their constitutional right to vote in determining the leadership they want for the country.