Makinde urges citizens to remain hopeful, patriotic

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has implored Nigerians, especially residents of the state, that as people of faith, they must continue to pray for Nigeria, but the prayers must also produce action that makes them better citizens in all spheres of life.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke yesterday during the interdenominational service, themed “A Nation of Hope, Healing and Revival,” to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, said that as a people, Nigerians have every reason to remain hopeful.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said: “We are blessed with a youthful and energetic population, immense human capacity, abundant natural resources, creativity and enterprise, as well as a resilience that has repeatedly enabled Nigerians to overcome difficult circumstances as we continue to build, create, innovate and serve.

“Today is more than a celebration of independence. It is a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed faith in the Nigerian project. Sixty-six years ago, Nigeria embarked on the journey of self-government with great expectations and enormous possibilities.

“Over the decades, we have experienced moments of triumph and moments of trial; seasons of progress and seasons that have tested our national resolve. Yet, through it all, Nigeria has endured. And because Nigeria has endured, Nigeria will rise again.

Sanwo-Olu maintained that the churches and citizens have roles to play in the country’s renewal.
SIMILARLY, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, patriotic and committed to the collective task of building a better society.

Makinde, represented by the Head of Service, Dr Adenike Fasina, gave the charge yesterday, at a special church thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

The governor urged citizens to contribute their quota to the development and progress of the country, stressing the need for collective efforts towards building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

He said that individual efforts, no matter how small, could make a significant difference when combined with the contributions of citizens across the country.

Makinde, therefore, urged Nigerians to remain positive and hopeful about the future, stressing that everyone has a role to play in building a greater and more prosperous Nigeria.

In his sermon, the Provost of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Very Revd Samuel Olawoyin, congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence anniversary, but said the country was yet to achieve full independence.

Olawoyin attributed this to what he described as neo-colonial influence from powerful nations, urging the Federal Government to take decisive steps towards harnessing and effectively utilising Nigeria’s abundant natural resources to address its economic challenges and improve the living conditions of citizens.

He also urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and support the government’s efforts aimed at rebuilding the nation and promoting sustainable development.