As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026, the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has called on governments at all levels to urgently confront the growing challenges of insecurity, flooding, poverty, unemployment, rising living costs and damaged infrastructure confronting millions of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Tochukwu Eluwa, GOMEP-NG congratulated Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, while urging leaders to make the anniversary more than a celebration of nationhood.
According to the Guild, Independence Day should also provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the realities confronting ordinary citizens.
“Sixty-six years after Nigeria attained independence, millions of our citizens are still struggling with realities that should command the attention of every level of government,” the Guild stated.
GOMEP-NG noted that insecurity remains a major concern, with communities across the country continuing to face banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks.
It cited recent security reports indicating hundreds of incidents across the country, with Zamfara, Niger, Kano and Sokoto among states recording significant incidents, while Borno continues to face serious insurgency challenges.
The Guild also referenced the reported abduction of nearly 700 people in coordinated attacks in Borgu, Niger State, describing the development as a painful reminder that insecurity goes beyond statistics.
“Behind every kidnapping figure is a father, mother, child, student, farmer, trader or community whose life has been disrupted,” it said.
GOMEP-NG equally expressed concern over the worsening flood situation in several parts of the country.
It noted that communities in states including Cross River, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Kogi, Edo and Taraba have faced significant flood risks and, in some cases, devastating flooding.
The Guild said recent warnings by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) identified 15 states at high risk of riverine flooding, exposing thousands of communities and schools to danger.
It added that flooding reported in different parts of the country had already resulted in deaths, displacement, submerged homes, damaged infrastructure and disruption of economic activities.
“These are not merely environmental or security statistics. They are Nigerian lives,” GOMEP-NG declared.
The Guild said the human cost includes farmers losing their harvests, traders losing businesses, children missing school, families being displaced and communities being cut off after roads and bridges are destroyed.
Against this backdrop, GOMEP-NG urged the Federal, State and Local Governments to strengthen collaboration and implement practical, measurable and sustained measures to address insecurity and flooding.
On security, the Guild called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination, community-based security mechanisms and enhanced operational capacity for security agencies.
It also urged government to prioritise the welfare, equipment, training and working conditions of security personnel who risk their lives protecting citizens.
On flooding, GOMEP-NG called for a shift from seasonal warnings to permanent preventive measures.
It urged authorities to strengthen early warning and early response systems, identify vulnerable communities ahead of disasters, improve drainage and flood-control infrastructure, enhance river monitoring and provide effective emergency shelters and evacuation mechanisms.
The Guild further called for greater investment in disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce the recurring destruction of homes, roads, bridges, farms, schools and businesses.
While commending agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), NiHSA and other emergency response institutions, GOMEP-NG said the scale of the challenges requires stronger coordination among the three tiers of government.
The Guild also demanded greater transparency and accountability in the management of disaster relief funds and interventions, stressing that Nigerians affected by floods and insecurity deserve assurance that assistance meant for them reaches the intended beneficiaries.
MEDIA MUST NOT BE SILENT
GOMEP-NG acknowledged the responsibility of online media publishers and editors in times of crisis.
It urged journalists and media organisations to verify information before publication, protect vulnerable victims and reject misinformation, hate speech and inciting content.
However, the Guild stressed that responsible journalism must not translate into silence.
“The media must speak when citizens are suffering.
“We must ask difficult questions. We must document what is happening in our communities. We must hold institutions accountable. We must amplify the voices of victims and ensure that the plight of citizens does not disappear from public attention after the news cycle has moved on.”
The Guild said true independence should also mean the freedom to live without fear, travel safely, farm without being attacked, send children to school without fear, sleep peacefully at home and build businesses without losing everything to disaster.
“That is the Nigeria our independence should continually lead us towards,” it stated.
GOMEP-NG urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite the difficulties confronting the nation, noting that the resilience of Nigerians remains one of the country’s greatest strengths.
However, it cautioned that resilience should not become an excuse for inadequate leadership.
“Citizens can be resilient, but government must be responsible,” the Guild declared.
As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of nationhood, GOMEP-NG urged leaders to listen more closely to ordinary Nigerians and demonstrate leadership not only during crises but also by preventing recurring tragedies.
The Guild called for a Nigeria where government is closer to the people, security is treated as a fundamental responsibility, disasters are anticipated rather than merely responded to, and every Nigerian—regardless of region, religion, ethnicity or social status—can live with dignity and hope.
“The Nigerian story is unfinished.
“The responsibility to write a better chapter belongs to all of us.”
GOMEP-NG wished Nigerians a peaceful and reflective 66th Independence Anniversary, while honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
“May the sacrifices of those who fought for Nigeria’s independence continue to inspire us to build a nation worthy of their dreams.
“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Signed:
Tochukwu Eluwa
National Publicity Secretary
Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG)
30/9/2026
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