Ogun governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, tells Nigerians not to despair as the country clocks 60 years of nationhood, saying
A greater Nigeria is possible in the foreseeable future.
The governor expressed this optimism at the Special Church Service to mark the 60th National Day Celebration, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Ake, Abeokuta on Sunday.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said no matter the prevailing circumstances, the country has proven to be an enigma, defying all predictions by pundits that it would not survive, noting that Nigeria has always wriggled out of the most difficult situation better.
The governor added that he had no doubt that Nigerians should be hopeful and they must be ready to contribute to that future which we all desire.
He told Nigerians to be hopeful, because as a nation we are moving towards a better Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun noted that the task ahead “is a collective one, advising that we shouldn’t allow the prophesies of doom to define us.”
He believes with prayers and given the human and material resources available things will get better.
Governor Abiodun recalled that many countries that gained independence with Nigeria are no longer together.
He noted that they have either been balkanized by their internal realities or civil war but Nigeria had survived many vicissitudes.
He further stated that despite her numerous challenges, especially in the area of economy and security, the country is still together and would move forward more prosperously.
The governor described the nation’s diversity as her strength, and Nigerians as a resilient and confident people.
He called on Nigerians to work together as “nation building is not for government alone, but the responsibility of all.”
He said the nation has produced men and women of substance who have distinguished themselves in all spheres of life, adding that a lot needed to be done towards economic sustainability and nation building.
Governor Abiodun who also affirmed his conviction that the country would continue to grow stronger as the democracy it currently enjoys continues to fledge, added that with the collective prayers of every Nigerian, all problems being faced by the country would be overcome.
In his sermon, the Retired Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Peter Akinola, decried the State of bloodletting in the country, adding that for the nation to experience development, efforts must be made to stop bloodletting, while the people must repent of their sins.
The cleric who took his sermon from the Book of Ezekiel 22 verse 3-6, traced the era of spilling of blood in Nigeria to the time of independence, noted that no land full of blood could move forward.
He called for repentance and tendering of apology to the families of those who lost their love ones as a result of killings.