By Daniel Karlmax.
The National Patron, Religious Affairs, of RELAX, TINUBU IS FIXING NIGERIA (RTIFN), Pastor. Emmanuel Simon, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, united and committed to nation-building as the country celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a statement Pst. Simon congratulates Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s heroes past, reflect on the country’s journey and renew commitment to building a better nation for future generations.
He describes Nigeria as a nation of “extraordinary people, immense potential and unshakable resilience,” noting that despite difficult seasons and uncertainties, the Nigerian spirit has continued to endure.
Pst. Simon appeals to Christians, Muslims and people of other faiths to make faith a force for unity, peace and national development.
“As National Patron, Religious Affairs, my message to the Church and the Mosque, to Christians, Muslims and all people of faith, is simple: Nigeria needs our faith, our prayers, our wisdom and our responsible action,” he said.
He urges religious communities to avoid turning religious differences into instruments of division, stressing that churches, mosques and other places of worship should continue to promote peace, honesty, patriotism, compassion, hard work and responsible citizenship.
According to him, Nigeria must move beyond mere religious tolerance to genuine religious harmony.
The RTIFN National Patron acknowledged the economic difficulties, insecurity, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and other challenges confronting Nigerians.
He, however, maintained that the difficulties should not define the country’s future.
“Nigeria is bigger than its challenges. Nigeria is stronger than its difficulties. And Nigeria’s future remains greater than its present circumstances,” he said.
He says, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had embarked on reforms aimed at restructuring the Nigerian economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
He specifically references fuel subsidy and exchange-rate reforms, infrastructure development, the Students Loan Scheme, efforts toward greater local government financial autonomy, agricultural development and investments in security.
Simon acknowledged that some of the reforms had resulted in “pain, pressure and difficult adjustments” for citizens.
“We must not pretend that these difficulties do not exist, arguing that meaningful national transformation could require difficult decisions, patience and perseverance.
He calls on Nigerians not to surrender to despair, urging them instead to remain prayerful, peaceful, vigilant and constructive.
Mr. Simon also charges members of RTIFN across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, particularly members of the Religious Affairs Directorate, to take the message of hope and responsible citizenship to communities across the country.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
