Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has congratulated all Nigerians, especially women on the occasion of the nation’s 53rd Independence Anniversary. The President’s wife who dropped a statement through her Director of Information, Mrs. Ayo Adesugba, said that from the pre-independent era to the present day, Nigerian women have played a vital role in nation building. She urged them to continue to take their pride of place while contributing their quota to the social, economic and political development of the nation.
 
While appealing to Nigerians to eschew acts capable of causing atmosphere of rancor, instability and disunity, Mrs. Jonathan called on Nigerians to embrace a new spirit of commitment and patriotism that would help to further promote the progress of the nation.


Observing that women have been endowed to be peace makers and bridge builders, the First Lady urged all Nigerians, especially women to pray ceaselessly for the peace and unity of the country as well as for its leaders.