Our resilience will help us overcome Nigeria's challenges - Jonathan speaks at independence

Former President Goodluck Jonathan joined other top Nigerians to congratulate the citizens over the country's 57th Independence anniversary, Jonathan noted that Nigeria has some challenges

He also said the solution lies in the hands of the citizens while expressing hope for a solution Nigeria’s immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan, has congratulated citizens as the country marks its 57th Independence anniversary. Jonathan noted that the country was facing challenges that look insurmountable, but added that he trusts Nigerians would come out strong because of their ‘can-do spirt. 

He urged the citizens to remain resilient saying this is one of the surest ways the country would overcome its current problems. “As a nation we are moving on. On October 1, 2010 we celebrated our Golden Jubilee as an independent nation. Again, in January 2014, we celebrated our centenary as a nation. And today, October 1, 2017 we are celebrating our 57th Independent anniversary.

“It may seem as though we are passing through insurmountable challenges, but I am very intimately aware of the ‘can do Nigerian spirit’ which will help us surmountable our present challenges. “You may say tough times are here, but I say to you that tough times do not last, but tough people do. “I call on all Nigerians to renew faith with Nigeria as we add another year to our age. We will get better, we will be greater, of that there can be no doubt. “Let me also seize this opportunity to call for togetherness, oneness and accommodation for all. We must accept the fact that none of us is as great as all of us. 

We thank God for the journey so far. We had challenges, we still have challenges but the Nigerian spirit of resilience will carry us on. I congratulate all Nigerians on our 57th Independent anniversary,” he said. 

"On this October 1st, 2017, I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians on the occasion of Nigeria's 57th Independence anniversary," Atiku said. Watch this video as Nigerians speak on how they would celebrate the country's independence: