Delta state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has charged Nigerians, especially the elites, to rededicate themselves to the progress and growth of the country, as the country marks the 57th Independence anniversary.
Governor Okowa made the charge yesterday at an Independence anniversary event that featured cultural dances and parades by military and para-military organisations in Asaba.
He said Nigeria’s independence was a product of sustained struggle by its founding fathers, and that President Muhammadu Buhari is doing a lot to keep the country as one indivisible and progressive nation that can take its pride of place among comity of nations.
“The pride of belonging to an independent country imposes a huge responsibility on us, and we, particularly the elites, have extra responsibility to dedicate our services and lives to the progress of the nation.
“This celebration affords us the opportunity to make a critical analysis of our progress so far and to reinvigorate us to tackle new and unfolding challenges by drawing lessons from both our strengths and weaknesses. We need to rededicate ourselves to the service of this great nation,” the Governor said.
While commending Nigerians, especially Deltans, for their patience, steadfastness and commitment despite the economic recession that hit the country, Governor Okowa reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to deliver on its prosperity agenda.
According to him, “I urge you to remain resilient; we should not be consumed by our petty differences; rather, we should be united by our common humanity, because we are stronger together, no part of the State is more special than the other, together, we can make progress with our collective efforts and work towards the Delta State where we should all be proud to belong”.