Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called on Nigerians to make collective efforts towards sustaining peace, unity and national development.
Otu made the call in a goodwill message delivered by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elbert Ayambem, at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held in Calabar to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The service was held at the Christian Central Chapel International, Faith Mansion World Centre, City of Testimonies, 8 Miles, Calabar.
The governor said nation-building required a shared sense of responsibility and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, urging Nigerians to reject violence, respect the rule of law and remain committed to the development of the country.
He described the Independence anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the vision and sacrifices of Nigerians who laid the foundation for the country’s independence, while also appreciating God for sustaining the nation.
According to him, the significance of Independence Day goes beyond commemorating a historical event, as it also reminds citizens of their responsibility to contribute to the development of Nigeria.
Otu acknowledged the challenges Nigeria had faced since independence in 1960, but said Nigerians had continued to demonstrate resilience, enterprise and faith in the country’s future.
He urged citizens to view the country’s ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Cross Riverians through expanded opportunities for young people, stronger education and healthcare systems, support for businesses and enterprises, improved infrastructure and increased investment.
Under the administration’s People First Agenda, Otu said the government would continue working towards creating a state where citizens could live peacefully, pursue their livelihoods with dignity and approach the future with confidence.
He, however, stressed that government could not achieve the objectives alone, calling for the active participation of religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector, civil society organisations, youths and other citizens.
In his exhortation, the Founder of Christian Central Chapel International, Archbishop Emmah Gospel Isong, urged Nigerians to appreciate the blessings of the past and draw lessons and hope from them in confronting present challenges.
Isong cautioned politicians against making statements capable of promoting disunity, hatred and tribalism, particularly as political activities increase ahead of future elections.
The cleric identified lack of forgiveness, fear, murmuring and excessive worry as tendencies capable of undermining individual and national development.
He called for national transformation anchored on spiritual renewal, economic reforms, pragmatic government policies, cultural change, industrialisation, healthcare development and quality education.
Isong also advocated an education system that would equip graduates with the skills to create jobs and become productive, rather than depend solely on government employment.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Ekpenyong Cobham, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had, in his assessment, placed Nigeria on a path of economic revitalisation.
Cobham said the Otu administration had also recorded increased economic activities in Cross River, citing rising air travel through Calabar as one of the indicators of increased movement and economic activity in the state.
He urged Cross Riverians to remain focused and confident in the direction of the state.
Special prayers were offered for President Tinubu, state governors, the various arms of government, national unity, security and prosperity, as well as the restoration and development of Cross River State.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme, who took the first Bible reading from Exodus 15:22–25, service commanders, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
The event also featured a unity dance-drama presentation by youths in celebration of Cross River State and Nigeria.