By Saeed Sadiq, Lafia
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary and Nasarawa State celebrates 30 years since its creation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, Arc. Mohammed Jafar Ibrahim, has called on Nigerians and residents of the state to use the anniversaries as opportunities for reflection, renewal and hope.
In a goodwill message marking the anniversaries, Ibrahim congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as well as the people of Nasarawa State, describing the occasions as moments for both celebration and sober reflection.
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, while Nasarawa State was created on October 1, 1996, from the old Plateau State. The state is therefore marking three decades of existence in 2026.
According to Ibrahim, the Nigerian dream remains a work in progress, with citizens still confronting challenges including the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
“These are not abstract statistics. They are the daily experiences of real people,” he said.
He similarly noted that Nasarawa, despite its human and natural resources, still has communities facing challenges relating to roads, healthcare, water, education, agriculture, security and economic opportunities.
The PDP candidate acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil servants, farmers, entrepreneurs, women and young people to the development of Nasarawa State.
He, however, said the 30th anniversary should also prompt residents to consider the kind of state they want to bequeath to future generations.
Ibrahim said he envisaged a Nasarawa where government is closer to the people, leaders listen to citizens and development reaches communities regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or geographical location.
He also called for politics to move beyond personal interests, arguing that public office should be measured by its impact on citizens and communities.
“Leadership must be measured by the number of lives improved, opportunities created and communities transformed,” he said.
On the political situation in the PDP, Ibrahim urged party supporters to remain patient and law-abiding while legal and institutional processes concerning the party continue.
The PDP has experienced an internal leadership dispute in 2026, including the emergence of an Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, while rival elements of the party have challenged aspects of that arrangement.
Ibrahim said his political aspiration was not solely about personal ambition but about representing the interests of farmers, traders, civil servants, artisans, professionals, women, youths, persons living with disabilities and communities across Nasarawa State.
He nevertheless stressed that the Independence Day celebration transcended partisan politics.
“We have only one country. Governments will come and go. Political parties will win and lose elections. Leaders will occupy offices and eventually leave them. But Nigeria remains our collective inheritance, and Nasarawa State remains the home we must build together,” he said.
Ibrahim called for renewed commitment to justice, accountable leadership, security, economic opportunity and the dignity of citizens.
He also urged Nasarawa State to harness its agricultural potential, solid mineral resources, strategic location, youthful population and cultural diversity for broader economic development.
“I believe in the possibilities of Nigeria. I believe in the future of Nasarawa State,” he said.
He prayed for peace, justice, unity and prosperity in Nigeria and Nasarawa State.
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