President Bola Tinubu has entreated Nigerians to remain optimistic about turning the fortunes of the country around as it commemorates its 63rd Independence Anniversary today, October 1, 2023.

In a Twitter post, he noted that providing a "better Nigeria" hinges on three virtues, namely "courage, compassion and commitment."\

According to him, the journey ahead will not be navigated by fear or hatred.

"We can only achieve our better Nigeria through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit," he added.

He described Nigeria as "a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures."

However, its bond is "intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal."

"We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice," he added.

To provide a better tomorrow for all Nigerians, President Tinubu promised to "remain committed and serve faithfully."

He also invited all to join this enterprise "to remake our beloved nation into its better self."

"We can do it, We must do it. We shall do it.!!! I wish you all a happy 63rd Independence Anniversary," he concluded.

For decades, Nigerians have traditionally taken to the streets on October 1, with loud music and the national flag in hand, to proudly celebrate their independence from the United Kingdom. However, on the 63rd anniversary of this historic event, the usual jubilant atmosphere is conspicuously absent from the country's streets.

In the capital city of Abuja, where grand banquets and concerts, often supported by the government, were once the norm for Independence Day celebrations, the streets remain unusually quiet.

The only notable activity is the flow of traffic, as worshippers head to Sunday masses. Over the loudspeakers, some religious leaders can be heard appealing for divine intervention to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.

Africa's largest economy has been grappling with severe economic challenges. Youth unemployment, inflation, and debt have reached unprecedented levels and continue to rise. Over 60 percent of the population resides in what the United Nations classifies as "multidimensional poverty."

The state of electricity supply remains gloomy, with the national grid experiencing multiple failures throughout the year, and consistent, uninterrupted power supply remains an elusive dream.