National Patron, Religious Affairs
On the Occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary – October 1, 2026
MY DEAR FELLOW NIGERIANS,
On behalf of the National Leadership and the entire family of RELAX, TINUBU IS FIXING NIGERIA (RTIFN), and in my capacity as National Patron, Religious Affairs, I bring warm greetings to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora as we celebrate the 66th Independence Anniversary of our great nation.
Today is not merely a celebration of the day Nigeria attained independence. It is a moment to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom, to reflect on the journey we have travelled, and to renew our commitment to the Nigeria we desire to leave for generations yet unborn.
Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary people, immense potential and unshakable resilience. Through difficult seasons, we have continued to stand. Through uncertainty, we have continued to hope. And through every challenge, the Nigerian spirit has refused to die.
A CALL TO FAITH, UNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
As National Patron, Religious Affairs, my message to the Church and the Mosque, to Christians, Muslims and all people of faith, is simple: Nigeria needs our faith, our prayers, our wisdom and our responsible action.
Our religious differences should never become weapons of division. Rather, our faith should be a bridge that brings us closer to one another and closer to the Nigeria we all desire.
At 66, we must move beyond religious tolerance to genuine religious harmony. Our churches, mosques and places of worship must continue to preach peace, honesty, patriotism, compassion, hard work and national responsibility.
The Bible declares in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” The Qur’an likewise teaches that Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.
This reminds us of an important truth: we cannot pray for a better Nigeria while refusing to become better Nigerians.
Our prayers must be matched with integrity. Our faith must produce action. Our hope must produce responsibility.
ON THE STATE OF THE NATION: RELAX, NIGERIA IS BEING FIXED
Fellow Nigerians, the journey of nation building is never without challenges.
At 66, Nigeria has faced economic difficulties, insecurity, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and moments that have tested our collective confidence. But difficult moments do not define the destiny of a nation.
Nigeria is bigger than its challenges. Nigeria is stronger than its difficulties. And Nigeria’s future remains greater than its present circumstances.
It is against this background that I say to Nigerians today:
RELAX, TINUBU IS FIXING NIGERIA.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has embarked on significant reforms aimed at restructuring the Nigerian economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
From fuel subsidy reforms and exchange-rate reforms to infrastructure development, the Students Loan Scheme, efforts towards greater local government financial autonomy, agricultural development and investments in security, the administration has presented these measures as part of its broader effort to reposition the country.
We recognize that some of these reforms have brought pain, pressure and difficult adjustments for citizens. We must not pretend that these difficulties do not exist. But we must equally recognize that meaningful national transformation requires difficult decisions, patience and perseverance.
As people of faith, we understand that a nation cannot be rebuilt overnight.
Therefore, this is not the time to surrender to despair. It is not the time to give up on Nigeria.
It is a time to remain prayerful, peaceful, vigilant and constructive.
It is a time to believe that the Nigeria of our dreams is still possible.
MY CHARGE TO RTIFN MEMBERS
To all members of RTIFN across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, especially members of our Religious Affairs Directorate, I charge you to take the message of hope and national responsibility to every community.
1. Organize interfaith prayers for Nigeria and continue to pray for peace, wisdom and national transformation.
2. Preach hope, not despair; unity, not division; peace, not conflict.
3. Be ambassadors of responsible citizenship in your churches, mosques and communities.
4. Encourage Nigerians to support constructive national development, while remaining free to offer responsible counsel and participate in the democratic process.
5. Take the message of hope to the grassroots. Let Nigerians understand that the work of rebuilding our nation belongs to all of us.
Let us tell our young people that their future is not finished.
Let us tell our families that Nigeria is worth believing in.
Let us tell every Nigerian who is discouraged that our present challenges must never become the burial ground of our national dreams.
Our best days must not be behind us.
Our best days can still be ahead of us.
CONCLUSION
Fellow Nigerians, on this 66th Independence Anniversary, let us remember that the Nigeria we desire will not be built by government alone.
It will be built by teachers who teach with integrity, by farmers who feed the nation, by entrepreneurs who create opportunities, by workers who serve faithfully, by religious leaders who promote peace, by young people who refuse to give up, and by citizens who choose responsibility over indifference.
Let us forgive one another.
Let us embrace one another.
Let us pray for one another.
And above all, let us believe in Nigeria and do our part to build her.
May the sacrifices of our heroes past never be in vain.
May peace return to every troubled community.
May God give wisdom to our leaders and strength to our people.
May God heal Nigeria.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
May God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
May God bless the people of Nigeria.
May God bless RTIFN.
HAPPY 66TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, NIGERIA!
RELAX, TINUBU IS FIXING NIGERIA.
DR. EMMANUEL SIMON
National Patron, Religious Affairs
RELAX, TINUBU IS FIXING NIGERIA (RTIFN)
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