Cross River State Governor, Senator 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.

Governor Otu made the call on Sunday in Calabar in 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, Rt. Hon. 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.

“Today, we have gathered in the presence of Almighty God to give Him thanks for the gift of our nation, Nigeria, and for His faithfulness to us as a people. As we commemorate 66 years of Nigeria’s independence, our first duty is to acknowledge that, through every season, God has remained our strength and our refuge,” the Governor said.

Governor Otu noted that independence is more than the remembrance of a date, but a reminder of the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the responsibility placed on the present generation.

“Nigeria has travelled a long road since 1960. We have experienced moments of great promise, difficult seasons and significant transformations. Yet, through it all, the Nigerian spirit has endured. Our people remain resilient, enterprising and deeply committed to the hope of a better country,” he stated.

The Governor admitted that much work still needs to be done to meet the aspirations of Nigerians, listing youth employment, quality education and healthcare, enterprise support, infrastructure, investment attraction and an enabling environment for citizens as priorities his administration is pursuing through its People First agenda.

“In Cross River State, our People First agenda is anchored on the belief that government exists to improve the lives of the people. We will continue to work deliberately towards a state where our people can live in peace, work with dignity and look to the future with confidence. But government cannot do this alone,” Otu said.

He stressed that the progress of Cross River and Nigeria requires collective effort involving government, the Church, traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society, youths and every responsible citizen.

Calling for prayers for wisdom for leaders, peace in communities, protection for security personnel, opportunities for youths and comfort for struggling families, Otu emphasized the need for greater national unity.

“Our diversity should not divide us. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and our strength lies in our ability to accommodate our differences while working towards our common aspirations. We may come from different ethnic groups, speak different languages and practise different faiths, but we share one country and one collective destiny,” he said.

The Governor concluded with a charge to citizens to reject violence, hatred and division, and to promote peace, respect for the rule of law and positive community service.

The Thanksgiving service was attended by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme, members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, former Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, Service Commanders, traditional rulers and a large congregation of worshippers who offered prayers for Nigeria, Cross River State, President Bola Tinubu and all arms of government.