On this day in 1960, our founding fathers gave us not just a flag and anthem, but a vision, a sovereign land where liberty, justice, and unity would serve as the bedrock of progress.
Sixty-five years later, the journey of our beloved country has been one of trials and triumphs, setbacks and renewals. We have walked through difficult moments in our history, yet the resilience of the Nigerian spirit has never been broken. Through every season, our people have shown an unyielding determination to press forward, to keep faith with the promise of a greater tomorrow.
As we reflect on this anniversary, we must remind ourselves that independence is not merely a historic event to be celebrated once a year; it is a continuing responsibility to safeguard freedom, strengthen our democracy, and ensure that justice remains the foundation of our common life. The true measure of independence is not only in sovereignty but in the protection of the rights and dignity of every citizen.
For us at the Nigerian Bar Association, this day carries profound meaning. We are reminded of our duty to defend the rule of law, to uphold the independence of the judiciary, and to serve as a constant voice for accountability and justice in our nation. As custodians of the legal profession, we must ensure that Nigeria remains a country where no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.
This anniversary calls us to renew our hope in Nigeria. It calls us to believe, once again, in the power of our diversity, the strength of our unity, and the greatness that lies ahead if we work together in good faith. The future we seek will not come by chance, but by the collective will of a people determined to build a nation worthy of its name.
Let us therefore use this *65th* Independence Day not merely to look back with nostalgia but to look forward with resolve, to rededicate ourselves to justice, unity, and progress, and to pass on to the next generation a country stronger, freer, and more prosperous than we found it.
May God bless the Nigerian Bar Association.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Happy Independence Day.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association.
Nigeria at 65: The Foundation of our Nation Must be Based on Justice and Fairness
