As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Hon. Wale Kuku, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District, has called for renewed reflection on the country’s development and stronger efforts to improve governance and living conditions across the region.

In an Independence Day message, Kuku said the occasion should go beyond celebration and serve as an opportunity for Nigerians to examine whether the promises of independence are being reflected in the lives of ordinary citizens.

He raised questions about family prosperity, opportunities for young people, business growth, education, and the safety of communities, arguing that persistent challenges require citizens to examine the reasons behind them.

According to him, Nigeria and its communities must break what he described as a cycle of poor governance by demanding greater capacity, accountability and a stronger focus on the interests of citizens from political leaders.

Kuku also urged residents of Ogun East and Ijebuland to reconsider political choices and place greater emphasis on ideas, vision, competence, conscience and the ability to execute policies when choosing leaders.

Calls for economic and social transformation

Outlining what he described as a vision for progress, Kuku identified education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, security and investment in human capital as key areas requiring sustained attention.

He called for greater investment in education to prepare young Nigerians for the modern economy, stronger support for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses, and the modernisation of agriculture to improve food security and create economic opportunities.

He also advocated an economy in which young people can build wealth and businesses rather than depend primarily on the search for employment.

On technology, Kuku said greater adoption of innovation could help drive economic development, while improved security and social cohesion would contribute to safer and more productive communities.

‘We must do it ourselves’

Kuku stressed that the transformation of Ijebuland would require active participation from its people rather than dependence on external intervention.

“No one is coming to transform Ijebuland for us. We must do it ourselves,” he said.

He further called on citizens to participate more actively in civic affairs, ask more substantive questions of political leaders, demand better governance and work toward building communities capable of providing greater opportunities for future generations.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Kuku said the period should be used by citizens to seek changes in leadership and governance.

He concluded his message with a call for the transformation of Ogun East and Ogun State, declaring: “OGUN EAST MUST BE GREAT! Not tomorrow. Now.”

Kuku, popularly known as Dodondawa, is the Labour Party’s Ogun East Senatorial Candidate. His message was issued under the banner “Transform Ogun East | Transform Ogun.”