Ambode urges patriotism, selfless service, others at Independence

LAGOS State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday urged Nigerians on the values of patriotism and selfless service as the country marks 55th independence anniversary.

Ambode, in his congratulatory message, said the commemoration must not be lost on anyone, but should be another opportunity for Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the pride and service of the nation as exemplified by the founding fathers.

He said there was need to rekindle the flame that ignited the determination of the founding fathers to fight for and obtain independence, coupled with the pride they had in serving the country. He there was no better time than now to reawaken the waning glory of the nation.

According to him, “You would recall that Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, had on that memorable day, 55 years ago, in his Independence Anniversary speech, admonished everyone to dedicate their life and service to our country. This, for me is the springboard that can help us return to our glorious past that the likes of Pa Anthony Enahoro, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Herbert Macaulay and a host of others helped to build in their time,” the governor said.

Ambode described the recent 2015 elections as the period that handed Nigeria a lifeline to put her back on track and reclaim its waning glory as the giant of Africa. He, therefore, urged all Nigerians irrespective of party affiliation, religious belief or ethnic leaning to join hands with the government of the day to salvage the nation.

He also called on Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to rebuild the nation’s foundation, saying such efforts could not be left to the government alone.
He expressed optimism that the Buhari administration would succeed in its quest to reduce the rate of poverty, fight corruption, change the economic fortunes and stem the tide of insecurity in the country especially in North East Nigeria, saying it would however require all hands to be on deck