Nigeria Previous President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigerians should be inspired by numerous compatriots. Mr Jonathan said this on Monday ahead of the nation’s 59th independence anniversary on October 1.
 
He said:

“In these past decades, we have lived with the mixed reality of abundance and lack, peace and conflict, hope and despair. Despite the challenges, we have kept faith in the strength of our unity and stood firmly to uphold Nigeria’s honour and glory.

“It is for this spirit, that we have always emerged stronger in the face of trials.”
 
The former President called on Nigerians to “honour the memory of those who committed their lives towards advancing the course of our freedom and wellbeing, which this day signifies.”
 
He added:

 “We should also be inspired by the efforts of our numerous compatriots whose heroism and patriotic endeavours have continued to lift the status of our nation.

“No matter the troubles that challenge our glory, we must not despair. Fellow Nigerians, let us strengthen faith in our country and work together towards a prosperous nation.”
 
Read the full text below:
 
Fifty-Nine years ago, we walked into the road of political freedom when the Union Jack was lowered and the Green-White-Green Flag hoisted as the symbol of our sovereignty.
Citizens sang for joy, with heartbeats of hope and eyes flooded with a new vision of liberty and justice.

In these past decades, we have lived with the mixed reality of abundance and lack, peace and conflict, hope and despair. Despite the challenges, we have kept faith in the strength of our unity and stood firmly to uphold Nigeria's honour and glory. It is for this spirit, that we have always emerged stronger in the face of trials.

As we celebrate our 59th Independence Anniversary, let’s honour the memory of those who committed their lives towards advancing the course of our freedom and wellbeing, which this day signifies.

We should also be inspired by the efforts of our numerous compatriots whose heroism and patriotic endeavours have continued to lift the status of our nation.

No matter the troubles that challenge our glory, we must not despair. Fellow Nigerians, let us strengthen faith in our country and work together towards a prosperous nation.

Happy Independence Day Nigeria!