Nigeria@53: Obama, Putin congratulate Nigeria

President Barack Obama of the United States has congratulated Nigeria on her 53rd independence anniversary which holds today.

Obama, in a statement signed by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, yesterday, and released by US embassy in Abuja, said: 'On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1.'

According to the statement, 'a warm friendship connects the Nigerian and American people, reflecting our shared values of democracy, economic growth, security, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.'

Also, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, in a message released by the Russian Embassy, Abuja, yesterday said: 'Distinguished Mr. President, please accept my sincere congratulation on the occasion of the National Day of your country - Independence Day.

'I am confident that the relations between Russia and Nigeria, based on the principles of friendship and mutual respect, will keep on developing actively in all main directions for the benefit of our peoples and will contribute to stability and security in the African continent.'