Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged Nigerians to remain united and appreciate the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers as the nation marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Makinde, who spoke yesterday during the Independence Day celebration held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, stressed the need for Nigerians to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law while confronting the challenges facing the country.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, spoke on the theme, “Dealing Decisively with Insecurity, Banditry and Terrorism Through Community Participation, Awareness and Policing.”

He said Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was achieved through the sacrifices and struggles of the country’s founding heroes, adding that the freedom enjoyed by citizens today should inspire greater commitment to nation-building.

Makinde also called for sober reflection on the challenges confronting Nigeria and Oyo State.

According to him, unity remained essential to the country’s progress.

Makinde said his administration had strengthened security by establishing the Amotekun Corps, which, according to him, works with other security agencies to maintain peace across the state.

He also said infrastructure development had been extended across the five geopolitical zones of the state, including road construction, education facilities, healthcare projects and the Light Up Oyo initiative.

LAGOS State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded Nigerians’ resilience in not allowing the country to disintegrate despite the many challenges and upheavals it has gone through.

Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The governor said that the significance of Nigeria’s 66th anniversary should be viewed in the context of the country’s difficult journey, including the civil war and decades of military rule.

He, however, said that Nigeria had remained one country and recorded 27 uninterrupted years of constitutional democracy, the longest stretch of civilian rule in the country’s history.

HOWEVER, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has appealed to the people of the state to approach the forthcoming electoral process in the country with maturity, tolerance and restraint, warning that political differences must never destroy the bonds that unite citizens as families, neighbours and fellow Nigerians.

He appealed yesterday in Akure, the state capital, while delivering an address to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Aiyedatiwa, who urged political leaders and youths to eschew violence, embrace issue-based engagement and respect the right of every citizen, also used the occasion to commend President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and partnership with the state.