As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, leaders across the country have urged citizens to embrace unity, courage, and collective responsibility in shaping the nation’s future. Ododo also commiserated with families affected by the recent boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, which claimed several lives. “We have made education free and accessible in order to guarantee the independence of future generations from ignorance and limitations,” Ododo explained. He also stressed the importance of unity: “At 65, Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of division. “Inclusive financial empowerment is the backbone of national growth and the surest path to lifting millions out of poverty,” he added.