As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the President of Women in Maritime in Nigeria (WIMA Nigeria), Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, has called on Nigerians to look beyond the challenges of the present and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous nation.
For millions of Nigerians, Independence Day is more than a national celebration. It is a moment to remember the journey, reflect on the sacrifices of the past and renew hope in what the future can become.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Nwaeze said the nation’s greatest strength remains its people—their resilience, creativity, courage and determination to rise above difficult circumstances.
According to her, Nigeria’s journey since independence has not always been easy, but the ability of Nigerians to keep moving forward in the face of adversity remains one of the country’s greatest assets.
“Independence is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of where we have come from, the challenges we have overcome, and the responsibility we all carry to build the Nigeria we desire,” she said.
For the WIMA Nigeria President, the country’s next chapter must be built on unity, integrity, hard work and responsible citizenship, with every Nigerian playing a role in shaping the nation’s future.
She particularly drew attention to the maritime sector and the opportunities presented by the Blue Economy, stressing that women cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of Nigeria’s economic development.
“As women in maritime, we understand that progress requires courage to sail into new waters. We must continue to break barriers, create opportunities, support one another and ensure that women are fully represented in the economic development of our nation,” Nwaeze said.
She noted that Nigeria’s vast maritime resources offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, job creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development, adding that women must be empowered and positioned to participate meaningfully in unlocking the potential of the sector.
Her message also carries a wider call for Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s development rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to government.
“Let us build bridges instead of walls, create opportunities instead of waiting for them, and leave behind a nation that is stronger and more prosperous for the next generation,” she said.
Nwaeze maintained that the future of Nigeria will be shaped not only by policies and government actions, but also by the everyday choices Nigerians make in their homes, workplaces, communities and institutions.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us,” she declared, urging citizens to contribute positively to national development and remain committed to building a country where future generations can thrive.
As the green-white-green flag flies across the country on October 1, the WIMA Nigeria President also called for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding generation to remain a source of inspiration.
“May the sacrifices of those who came before us never be forgotten, and may we have the wisdom and courage to build the Nigeria they dreamed of,” she said.
She wished Nigerians peace, strength and prosperity as the nation enters another year of its journey as an independent country.
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