US congratulates Nigeria at 56

The United States of America has congratulated Nigeria on its country’s 56th Independence Anniversary which comes up on Saturday.

A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, said that the goodwill message was signed by the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry.

Adesina said Kerry acknowledged the ability of Nigerians to address Nigeria’s current national challenges.

Kerry’s statement read: “On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on Oct. 1.

“I recently returned from my third trip to Nigeria as Secretary, and I came away with a strong sense of the nation’s resolve to build a better future.

“During my trip, I was reminded that many Nigerians are engaged in bringing people together across the divides of culture, religious practices, and ethnicity.’’

According to Kerry, there is still much work to be done to provide economic opportunities for all, end corruption, win the fight against Boko Haram and ensure broad respect for human rights.

Kerry said Nigeria should provide humanitarian relief for millions of displaced people.

“But we know that Nigerians are hard at work to address these challenges. The United States looks forward to deepening our partnership and friendship with Nigerians from all walks of life, so that we may work together for the betterment of Nigeria and all of Africa.

“Best wishes to all of you on this the 56th anniversary of your independence,’’U.S. secretary said.