Prof. Ali Ahmad Felicitates Nigerians on Independence Day, Calls for Reflection Over Kwara’s Security and Economic Realities
Prof. Ali Ahmad, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and Professor of Constitutional Law, has extended warm felicitations to Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, with special regard to the resilient people of Kwara State.
In his Independence message, Prof. Ahmad described the day as “a moment of gratitude for how far Nigeria has come, but also a solemn reminder of how far we must go — especially in Kwara, where the meaning of freedom must transcend ceremonial speeches and become reality in the daily lives of our people.”
He lamented that while independence symbolizes hope for many, countless Kwarans today face a different reality — one marked by economic strangulation and insecurity.
“It pains me deeply that in our rural belts across Kwara North and South, as well as other vulnerable communities, innocent lives are still being gruesomely cut down. These are our farmers, traders, children, and breadwinners — peaceful citizens whose only ‘crime’ was living on the fringes of government attention. As we commemorate independence, we must do so with heavy hearts for the blood silently spilled across our borders and farmlands,” Prof. Ahmad stated.
He offered heartfelt condolences to all families who have lost loved ones to such killings, declaring: “Your pain must not be forgotten. Your tears must not be normalized. Independence should guarantee protection, not perpetual mourning.”
Prof. Ahmad further called on both state and federal authorities to prioritize human security and economic justice, noting that “true independence is not in parades, but in policies that safeguard livelihoods, restore dignity, and give citizens a fair chance at survival.”
He urged Kwarans to unite beyond politics and work collectively toward a safer and more prosperous future, affirming his continued commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity in the state.
Signed:
Sa’ad Ayinde
Media Assistant to Prof. Ali Ahmad
Former Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly