Many Benue residents say are grateful to God for sustaining the corporate existence of the country and guiding its leaders to navigate it through difficult times.
A cross section of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that they had many reasons to celebrate the country at 59 years of age.
They, however, appealed for more patriotism from the citizens to help sustain its corporate existence and attain higher heights.
They said that significant achievements were made in all sectors of the economy over the years but admitted that there was need to urgently address the challenges facing the country for rapid development.
A don, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, said there was every reason to celebrate Nigeria at 59 as there was no country in the world today without its own share of challenges to bear.
“For the fact that Nigeria has been able to manage her affairs for those past years is enough reason to celebrate.
“Those that see Nigeria as a sinking ship; it is time for them to realise that the country belongs to all of us and they have no other country they can call their own other than Nigeria.
“This is the time for them to contribute in whatever little way they can to redeem their own image and that of the country.