Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, told Nigerians to be prepared to make necessary sacrifices in building a country that reflects their collective aspirations.

Oborevwori, who stated this at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, called on present and future generations to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, courage, patriotism and resilience.

While paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, he called on Nigerians to demonstrate their love for the country by praying for its peace and prosperity.

The governor maintained that the Church’s continued intercession for Nigeria remained critical to the nation’s progress.

ALSO, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to nation-building as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, declaring that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength, not division.

Otu made the call yesterday in Calabar during his address at the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary held at the Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) Faith Mansion World.

The governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the anniversary calls for sober reflection, gratitude to God, and renewed commitment to building a nation future generations would be proud to inherit.

IN the same vein, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr Lucius Ugorji, have called on Nigerians to embrace unity, integrity and individual responsibility if they really love the country.

The duo spoke yesterday at a Special Thanksgiving and Eucharistic Service held at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, Uzodimma said the country had survived civil war, military rule, economic difficulties and political crises, noting that the sacrifices of millions of ordinary Nigerians had helped keep the nation together.

“Nigeria at 66 is our country. It belongs to all of us,” the governor said, urging citizens to look beyond government and contribute to nation-building through responsible conduct.

He acknowledged the economic difficulties facing families and businesses, saying the government had a responsibility to ensure that citizens’ sacrifices translated into meaningful improvements in their lives.