As we complete 43 years of national independence, we once again remember the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the people of this country.
We must also recognise how much we have accomplished on a global scale, in spite of considerable challenges and uncertainty over the past decades.
Around this time last year, this country was dealing with political agitation and violence pending the national elections. Lives were lost, and the economy suffered. The progress we have shown in regaining our footing in terms of political and economic stability within the course of a year is something to applaud.
We have come a long way, but we must pledge to keep moving forward. The problems of corruption and nepotism need to be tackled so that we may reach our full potential.
We must encourage our youth to play an active but civilised role in the political sphere, and breed respectable and honest leaders. Most importantly, there needs to be space for new ideas and new people in our politics.
The fearless men and women who fought for our independence deserve our gratitude and solidarity on this day. Let us all come together to ensure a secular and democratic state, and see to it that their sacrifices have not been in vain.