State governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos; Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta, Ben Ayade, Cross River and Darius Ishaku, of Taraba, Emeka Ihedioha, Imo, among others, have harped on tolerance and unity of purpose to forge a common front in national development.
The governors spoke in their respective states to mark Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary on Tuesday.
In Lagos, Sanwo-Olu, at the Police College, Ikeja, where residents, students and pupils thronged the parade ground, said Nigerians also needed to keep hope alive and join hands with the leaders in the task of building a prosperous nation.
The governor, who dressed in Neighbourhood Safety Corps’ uniform, noted that Nigeria over the years had made irreversible progress and his administration would continue to build on the legacies bequeathed by the nation’s founding fathers.
He observed that the effort to rebuild Nigeria and keep it on path of progress was on course, while also assuring that the implementation of his party’s programmes would bring greater good to the majority of citizens.
“Today, we take glory to the men and women who laboured and sacrificed their time, knowledge and resources to see that our nation gained freedom from colonial rule and attained the status of a sovereign nation.
“Since 1960, we have achieved significant progress despite our challenges and setbacks. We have remained united in our determination and desire to build a truly prosperous nation that will be the pride not only to Africans but the entire black race. As we celebrate this year’s Independence anniversary, we must remain committed to achieve our collective aspirations as a nation.”
He charged the residents to eschew actions that would divide the country along ethno-religious line, and pleaded for patience as government at all levels rolled out activities to make the system better.
Ben Ayade of Cross River, while addressing the people at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, said despite the civil war and insurgency ravaging some parts of the country, his administration has created an economy anchored on industrialisation aimed at job creation.
Represented by his deputy, Ivara Esu, Ayade said his assessment was derived from the various achievements Nigerians have made individually and as a nation.
According to him, no nation has ever berthed on a roller coaster “or fulfilled its destiny without sweat. Nigerians were determined to ensure the “recalibration” of their future.
Ayade said: “As we celebrate today, we cannot say with absolute conviction, that 59 years down the line, it has been a bed of roses. At best, it has been a potpourri; at times chequered, disappointing, hard and fraught with challenges that so often dulled our spirits.
But he noted that in spite of those dispirited moments though, there have been sparkling times that we have radiated so much national pride as a people.
“With our minds firmly fixed on the ever-glittering skyline, we shall sure chart a pathway to our destination,” he said.
Similarly, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, urged Nigerians to renew their spirit
of brotherhood, love, and peaceful co-existence for the progress of the state and the country.
Addressing the people in Asaba, the state capital, Okowa said: “Let us rekindle our hope, redouble our fervent prayers and supplication to God to see us through the numerous trials and unite us more than ever before.
“Our declarations should be positive both for leaders and the country; that way, we will have positive confirmation that the heavenly Father will grant our prayers.”
The governor appealed to Deltans and Nigerians in general, to rekindle their faith in a united country and in the continuous protection of democracy as the only viable system of governance, which is already bringing sustainable development to our nation in spite of obvious challenges.
“At 59, if we are to make further progress and follow the speed of sustainable development across the globe as a united people, we need to
check our emphasis on regional, ethnic and religious divides,” he said.
Addressing his compatriots in Taraba, the state governor, Darius Ishaku lamented Nigeria’s sluggish growth, saying 59 years of nationhood have not impacted the citizens.
Ishaku, who briefed the media in Jalingo, to mark the independence anniversary, said: “Yes, we are 59 years old, but I don’t think we are 59 years mature, it is both sweet and ugly.
“It is sweet because we have Independence, but ugly because we have not been able to utilize the 59 years to take the country to an enviable position.”
The governor said it was a shame that Nigeria as ‘giant of Africa’ was still lagging behind other nations.
“I visited Rwanda and I was amazed at their development in the healthcare sector alone. Here we are being called the giant of Africa, but are just a sitting giant. A lot still needs to be done. We need to change our thinking, work hard in education, health and power among others. If we can improve on power alone, the multiplier effect will be tremendous because power drives the economic and social life of a country,” he said.
In Imo State, the governor, Emeka Ihedioha, in his broadcast to the people, expressed delight in the progress being made by his administration, citing an increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) from N274 million when he assumed office in May 2019 to N795 million by September. He said this was an indication there was still hope for Nigeria.
“This is evident in the courage to confront the odds and the resilience shown in pulling back the country from precipice at all times.”
The governor said this year’s celebration once again afforded the opportunity to pay glowing tributes to the nation’s founding fathers such as the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello Obafemi Awolowo.
“For these pioneer leaders and other nationalists across Nigeria, there was no sacrifice too much, nor any price too dear, to pay in the efforts to achieve a self-governing and a sovereign motherland.
“Today, we are beneficiaries of this great legacy of freedom – the tree of liberty planted and nurtured by the sweat and, in some circumstances, the blood of courageous men and women who resisted colonialism.”
He noted, however, that like every other great nation, Nigeria has bravely endured the pangs of birth of an emergent nation, adding that at every point, Nigerians’ resolve to live together as one, strong and united nation has been evident in the courage to confront the odds and resilience to pull back from the precipice.
JOSHUA BASSEY, MIKE ABANG (Calabar), NATHANIEL GBAORON, (Jalingo), FRANCIS SADHERE (Warri)
