Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, patriotic and committed to the collective task of building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
Makinde, represented by the Head of Service, Dr Adenike Fasina, made the call on Sunday at a special thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor, who congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary, urged citizens to contribute their quota to the development and progress of the country.
He said, “Individual efforts, no matter how small, can make a significant difference when combined with the contributions of citizens across the country towards moving the nation forward.”
Makinde urged Nigerians to remain positive and hopeful about the future, stressing that everyone had a role to play in building a greater Nigeria.
He said, “Everyone has a role to play in building a greater and more prosperous Nigeria.”
The governor also noted that Nigeria had continued to make progress despite the challenges confronting the country.
According to him, “Nigeria is not stagnant. We are gradually moving forward, even though the pace of development may not be as fast as many Nigerians desire.”
He further called for collective efforts and patriotism among Nigerians, urging citizens to remain committed to the development of the country.
In his sermon, the Provost of the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, Very Rev. Samuel Olawoyin, congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary.
Olawoyin, however, said the country was yet to achieve full independence, noting that Nigeria continued to experience what he described as neo-colonial influence from powerful nations.
He said, “Nigeria is yet to achieve full independence as we continue to experience neo-colonial influence from powerful nations of the world.”
The cleric charged the Federal Government to take decisive steps towards harnessing and effectively utilising the country’s abundant natural resources to address its economic challenges and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
He also urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and support government efforts aimed at rebuilding the nation and promoting sustainable development.
The highlight of the service was a special prayer for Oyo State and the nation.
Those who accompanied the Head of Service to the service included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Olayiwola; political appointees; Permanent Secretaries; and General Managers, including the General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mrs Taiwo Adebowale, among others.