The Vice-Chancellor of Transatlantic University of Medicine and Health Sciences (TUMHS) Umuchukwu, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, has said Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary should be a celebration devoid of corruption, insecurity and all vices that hinder citizens from attaining their full potential.
Prof. Esimone, the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, stated this on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the Nigeria at 66 commemoration organized by the International Friendship League at King David Hotel, Awka.
Speaking on the theme, “Transformed Citizens, Transformed Nation,” Prof. Esimone said while government has an obligation to provide good governance, citizens also have a huge responsibility in national transformation by refusing to normalize wrongdoing.
He noted that Nigeria is blessed with citizens endowed with extraordinary abilities who are thriving in all spheres of human endeavour, including health, engineering, technology, science, religion and the humanities, adding that the challenge is to create a society where excellence can thrive.
According to him, the Independence celebration is a time for honest reflection and commitment, as citizens are stakeholders, builders and custodians of the nation.
The TUMHS Vice-Chancellor further urged citizens to pray for leaders for wisdom and divine guidance for good governance, in line with biblical injunctions, and called for a renewed sense of citizenship responsibility and action.
The International Friendship League programme, which was a call to citizenship transformation, also featured an exhortation by Prof. Esimone on the topic, “The Making of a Better Person for a Better Nation,” as well as choir renditions, hymn singing and prayers for the nation.
