The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central and South-East Director of Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring (EPCM), APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, FCNA, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient and committed to the future of the country, saying ongoing economic reforms and sustained investments in education, infrastructure and public services are laying important foundations for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
Ekwunife made the call in her Independence Day message to Nigerians on Thursday, October 1, 2026, urging citizens to maintain a positive outlook about the country while also embracing the responsibility that comes with nation-building.
She encouraged Nigerians to think positively, relate responsibly with one another and speak constructively about the country, stressing that a renewed belief in Nigeria’s potential can inspire citizens to pursue their ambitions with greater confidence, contribute meaningfully to national development and excel across diverse fields of endeavour.
According to her, constructive citizenship also requires Nigerians to engage government responsibly by identifying gaps, drawing attention to administrative challenges and demanding improvements where necessary. She noted that effective governance is strengthened when citizens participate actively in the development process and combine legitimate demands for accountability with a willingness to contribute to the progress of their communities.
Ekwunife said the ongoing reforms in the foreign-exchange market and broader economic management, alongside investments in infrastructure and human capital, constitute important components of the country’s economic rebuilding process.
She particularly highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an important intervention in expanding access to tertiary education. The programme provides eligible Nigerian students with zero-interest loans to support institutional charges and upkeep, helping to reduce some of the financial barriers associated with higher education. NELFUND’s official figures indicate that the scheme has expanded significantly, with more than one million students supported through its programmes.
The senator also drew attention to the Federal Government’s continuing road construction and rehabilitation efforts across the country, including infrastructure connecting the Second Niger Bridge. She described improved transportation infrastructure as particularly important to the South-East, given the region’s extensive commercial activities and its role as a major trading and transportation corridor.
She noted that the sustained construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure would progressively improve connectivity, reduce transportation bottlenecks, facilitate the movement of people and goods and strengthen economic activity across different parts of the country.
Ekwunife further acknowledged ongoing efforts to modernise public services, including improvements in passport administration and identity-management systems, stressing that efficient and accessible government services are essential to a modern economy and effective governance.
She also pointed to the increased financial resources available to state governments through federally distributed revenues, noting that greater fiscal space gives states an opportunity to address pressing economic and infrastructural needs, meet their obligations and undertake projects capable of directly improving the welfare of citizens.
According to her, state governments must translate available resources into tangible development by investing more deliberately in roads, healthcare, education, water supply, security, environmental management and other sectors that have a direct impact on the daily lives of Nigerians.
Ekwunife, however, cautioned against creating the impression that the country’s challenges have disappeared, stressing that meaningful national transformation is a gradual process that requires sustained reforms, responsible leadership, patience and collective effort.
She also called on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for protecting public infrastructure and other national assets, urging citizens and communities to remain vigilant and promptly alert the appropriate authorities whenever they observe attempts to vandalise or remove components of strategic infrastructure.
The senator expressed particular concern over the vandalism of bridges and other critical infrastructure, noting that the destruction of public assets ultimately imposes additional costs on taxpayers and undermines the very development citizens demand from government.
She urged Nigerians to recognise that roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, public buildings, water facilities and other government installations are public assets belonging to the people and serving the collective interest. She stressed that citizens must therefore complement government’s responsibility to provide infrastructure by helping to protect and preserve what has already been provided.
Ekwunife commended civil servants, security personnel, teachers, healthcare professionals, farmers, entrepreneurs, transport workers, artisans, business owners and other Nigerians whose daily efforts continue to sustain the country despite prevailing economic pressures.
She particularly encouraged young Nigerians and women to remain actively engaged in economic, social and democratic development, urging them to pursue productive enterprise, acquire relevant skills, demand accountability and participate meaningfully in the processes that shape the future of the country.
The senator maintained that Nigeria’s enormous human and natural resources, entrepreneurial spirit and youthful population provide a strong basis for long-term growth if properly harnessed through sound policies, effective institutions, productive investments and responsible citizenship.
She expressed optimism that sustained implementation of economic reforms and continued investment in infrastructure, education and human capital can progressively deliver greater economic stability, expanded opportunities, improved public services and better living conditions for Nigerians.
As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Ekwunife urged citizens to remain committed to the country’s unity and development, while encouraging leaders at all levels to remain focused on policies and programmes that translate public resources into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
She wished Nigerians a peaceful Independence Day and prayed for greater stability, prosperity, security and opportunities for families and communities across the country, expressing confidence that with perseverance, responsible leadership, active citizenship and sustained commitment to national development, Nigeria can continue to move steadily towards the country its citizens aspire to build.
Tony Ezike
Media Director
Senator Uche Ekwunife Campaign Council
