Nigeria @ 66: Jang Sees Hope Amid Despair, Urges Empathy in Reforms
Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator, Dr. Jonah David Jang, has said Nigeria’s 66 years of nationhood remains a testament to the togetherness of its people, despite current economic hardship.
Jang, in his Independence anniversary message titled “I See Hope in Despair: 66 Years of Nationhood Testament to Our Togetherness,” issued on October 1, 2026, felicitated Nigerians and particularly people of Plateau State.
He said 66 years is a significant journey defined by shared triumphs, trials and an enduring quest for unity and progress, noting that the country is navigating one of its most challenging economic periods with rising cost of living felt across households and marketplaces.
“It is no secret that our country is navigating one of its most challenging economic periods in modern history… The despair in the land is tangible,” Jang said, adding: “Yet, even in the midst of this despair, I see hope.”
According to him, Nigeria’s strength lies not in the absence of adversity, but in its ability to endure and emerge stronger together, and that remaining one united nation after 66 years despite storms is a profound testament to togetherness
The former governor acknowledged the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, saying structural economic reforms are rarely painless and often demand immediate sacrifices for long-term stability.
He expressed belief that if sustained with sincerity and precision, the reforms will yield positive results, but stressed that policy must be tempered with empathy.
Jang urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to ameliorate the immediate plight of citizens through direct, impactful and swift relief measures, including a review and upward increase of the national minimum wage to reflect realistic living conditions.
“Upwardly reviewing compensation is not merely an economic policy; it is a moral imperative that will significantly cushion the hardship felt by millions of hardworking Nigerian families,” he stated.
On security, Jang commended the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the fight against insurgency, banditry and criminality, while advocating increased deployment of advanced technology, intelligence-driven operations and surveillance tools to protect frontline officers, minimize casualties and accelerate victory.
He called on Nigerians to resist attempts to divide the country along ethnic, religious or political lines, urging dialogue and solidarity over distrust and animosity.
“The work of nation-building cannot be left to government alone. Our greatest weapon against challenges is our unity,” he said, calling for prayers for Nigeria and its leaders for wisdom, courage and compassion to guide the nation to more prosperous waters.
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