Nigeria @ 66: ISRCA Calls For True Freedom, Urges Youth To Reject Ethnic, Religious Politics

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA), also known as “No Justice, No Peace,” has called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to work towards achieving what it described as “true freedom” for the country.

In an Independence Day message dated October 1, 2026, the group said the anniversary should ordinarily be a celebration of unity, growth and prosperity, but expressed concern over what it described as persistent ethnic divisions, religious bigotry and political manoeuvring across the country.

According to the statement signed by Comr. Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, and Comr. Neri Okuguni, National Publicity Secretary, both of the Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA), while Nigeria gained political independence from colonial rule 66 years ago, the country continues to grapple with challenges associated with poor leadership, tribal politics and greed.

The group urged Nigerian youths to reject what it described as attempts by political leaders to exploit ethnic and religious differences for political advantage.

It said, “They use ethnicity to divide us during elections. They use religion to distract us from hunger. And then they loot together.”

ISRCA also criticised the country’s leadership over the state of the economy, alleged mismanagement of national resources and the pursuit of foreign wealth, saying the average Nigerian continues to struggle to make ends meet.

The organisation further called for the restoration of historical education in Nigerian schools, arguing that young people need to understand the country’s past and the sacrifices that contributed to national unity.

“As young people, we must transcend the artificial barriers of ethnicity and religion,” the group said, urging Nigerians to champion the cause of national unity and development.

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Ahead of the 2027 general election, ISRCA called on citizens to reject leaders it believes are driven by ethnic bias, religious sentiment or political selfishness, and elect leaders committed to national unity, sovereignty and the restructuring of Nigeria.

The group maintained that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens regardless of their ethnic, religious or regional backgrounds.

“The time for change is now. The future lies in our hands,” it said.

ISRCA concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the 66th Independence anniversary and calling on citizens to ensure that the next 66 years of the country’s history count for something better.