The president said Nigerians must appreciate their individual and collective contributions in nation building and press ahead as a people with a common vision of a strong and united nation during the concluding edition of Nigeria@60 festivities in Abuja on Thursday night.

“For this difference to transform into good results that promote inclusive, egalitarian, and long-term progress, Nigerians must continually embrace the ethics and values that connect us,” he said. As a strong and indivisible nation, we must forge ahead as a people with a shared vision.

“This, in my opinion, is the most important message of today’s events. The focus of today’s program is on the significance of discovering our magnificent nation TOGETHER, rather than in our own corners.

“I’m sure some of us have visited the many exhibits at this event, and as we passed through the Discover Nigeria tent, we must have been stunned not just by the beauty but also by the intensity of the common strands running through our culture.

“As we all march towards building the Nigeria of our dreams, Government will continue to provide the enabling environment for citizens to achieve their dreams while we count on their support to make Nigeria a better place for all.’’

According to the president, citizens must all come together to propagate a new and positive narrative that Nigeria is ready to harness its own resources to become a global player in commerce, governance, arts, sports and other fields of endeavour.

“I want to emphasize that, for the attainment of any sustainable development, unity is important.

“Let us unite as a nation and be irrevocably committed to one indivisible Nigeria,’’ he added.

President Buhari, who said that he was excited to be unveiling the book “Discover Nigeria”, said the event “broadly makes the case why we should always be positive about our country.’’

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to bequeathing a sustainable democratic culture, saying it remains “my pursuit of a fair society.

“As I look round this hall and marvel at the scenery, I feel the more challenged to keep my word in my 2021 Democracy Day speech.

“My commitment to bequeathing a sustainable democratic culture remains resolute, my pursuit of a fair society remains unshaken and my desire to see that Nigeria remains a country for each and every one of us has never been stronger”.

He also took the opportunity to thank Nigeria’s Inter-Ministerial Committee at 60th for organizing the event.

The president also complimented all of the event’s awardees and urged Nigerians to work hard in their respective fields to ensure that future generations inherit a better country.

“Like the Centenary awards, this award is special not only to the recipients but also to the nation because it represents an important period in our nation’s history.

Even though it is distinct from the Nigerian National Merit Award, it has provided us with another opportunity to reassure Nigerians that individual accomplishments would always be recognized.

“As we close the 60th anniversary celebrations today and look forward to the beginning of a better, brighter and greater Nigeria come tomorrow, when we begin our 61st year as a Nation, it is my hope that our march to unity and greatness gathers momentum,’’ he added..

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Joseph Blackstone, who died while attempting to rescue fellow citizens from a boat accident in 2018, was among those honoured with Presidential Special award at the event.

President Buhari also unveiled ‘‘Discover Nigeria’’, a pictorial book on Nigeria’s history, covering the period from Independence in 1960 to the present.

The President’s official photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo, authored the 392-page book, which highlights the country’s rich traditional institutions, resourcefulness of its people, beauty of its scenery, wealth of its farmlands, breathtaking waterfalls and coastlines, among other things.