As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Chairman of Optiva Capital Partners, Franklin Nechi, has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a nation where freedom, enterprise, opportunity and human potential can flourish.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day on Thursday, Nechi described Nigeria’s 66th anniversary as an opportunity not only to celebrate the country’s journey since 1960, but also to reflect on the responsibility of the present generation to shape the Nigeria that future generations will inherit.
“Independence is more than the absence of colonial rule. It is the freedom and capacity of a people to determine their destiny, create opportunity, build prosperity and give every generation a reason to believe in its country,” he said.
According to Nechi, Nigeria’s greatest resource remains its people, their enterprise, creativity, resilience and ability to succeed despite difficult circumstances.
He said Nigerians have demonstrated repeatedly that given the right environment, they can compete and excel anywhere in the world. “Our entrepreneurs are building businesses, our professionals are leading institutions, our young people are creating technology and our creative talents are shaping global culture. Wherever Nigerians find opportunity, they demonstrate what is possible.”
Global Citizens, Deeply Rooted in Nigeria
Nechi said Nigeria’s engagement with the wider world should not be interpreted as a rejection of the country. As chairman of an investment immigration firm that helps Africans explore international mobility and investment opportunities, he said Optiva’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that Nigerians can be globally connected without becoming disconnected from home.
“Global mobility should not mean abandoning Nigeria. It should mean creating bridges between Nigeria and the world, bridges through which knowledge, investment, partnerships, technology and opportunities can flow in both directions.”
He said Nigerians living and working abroad remain an important part of the country’s economic and social story, contributing knowledge, capital, expertise and international networks to the development of the country.
Reflecting on Optiva’s 2026 thought-leadership theme, ‘From Access to Legacy: Building the African Family’s Global Future,’ Nechi said the same principle could be applied to nation-building. “Wealth must ultimately create impact. Access must create opportunity. And opportunity must create a legacy.”
He urged successful Nigerians to look beyond personal accumulation and consider how their businesses, investments, expertise and influence can contribute to a stronger society.
He said the responsibility of nation-building belongs not only to government but also to businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, families and citizens. “Every Nigerian who creates a job, builds a business, educates a child, mentors a young person, develops an innovation, pays taxes responsibly or invests in the future is contributing to the Nigeria we want.”
The Nigeria We Owe The Next Generation
Nechi said Independence Day should also prompt Nigerians to think beyond the present generation. He challenged Nigerians to consider whether the country being built today will provide future generations with greater opportunities than those available to previous generations. “The real measure of our independence will not only be how far we have travelled in 66 years, but what kind of country we leave behind after our time.”
He called for greater emphasis on education, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, healthcare, economic opportunity and an environment where young Nigerians can develop their talents and compete globally. According to him, Nigeria’s enormous human capital represents an opportunity that must be deliberately nurtured.
“Our young people should not merely be the future of Nigeria. They should be participants in building Nigeria today.”
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence anniversary, Nechi urged Nigerians to retain faith in the country’s potential while recognising that patriotism must be expressed through action. “We have every reason to believe in Nigeria. But belief must be accompanied by responsibility. The Nigeria of our dreams will not be built by hope alone. It will be built by people who choose every day to create, invest, serve, innovate and contribute.”
Nechi concluded by congratulating Nigerians at home and around the world on the nation’s 66th Independence anniversary. “As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that our greatest legacy will not be what we accumulated for ourselves, but the possibilities we created for those who come after us.”