Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, fairness, and equity as the foundation for building a greater and more prosperous country.
The governor made the call during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba.
Oborevwori, who expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the nation since independence, said Nigeria’s survival despite daunting challenges was a proof of divine grace.
He said: “Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the Nigeria of our dreams. Independence was born out of a vision of hope and brightness for this country, and we must continue to build on the sacrifices of our founding fathers”.
He maintained that Nigeria remained a proud nation with much to be thankful for, adding that the country had withstood trials that could have led to disintegration but for God’s mercy and the resilience of its people.
The governor commended the role of the Church in sustaining national peace, noting that without the prayers of Christians and preaching of the gospel, the nation’s situation would have been worse.
He urged clerics to continue to pray for leaders while encouraging citizens to support government through unity and sacrifice.
“What we want in Delta State is peace, because development starts where peace abounds. When there is peace, we can do more for our people. Those of us in political leadership must always put the people’s interest first, not our own,” Oborevwori added.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in infrastructure and social investments within two years, he assured Deltans that more development and empowerment initiatives would be delivered in the coming year under God’s guidance.
He also charged Nigerian youths to champion unity and righteousness, stressing that the future of the nation depended on their willingness to contribute positively.
“This country will not be rebuilt by foreigners. It is we, Nigerians, who will rebuild it. Let us make the necessary sacrifices for the brighter future that awaits us. Nigeria is God’s own country,” he said.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, urged Nigerians to embrace the “good fight of faith,” stressing the virtues of righteousness, godliness, love, endurance, and gentleness.
He called on the wealthy to remember the poor, noting that “what we share with our brothers and sisters is what will count for us when we appear before God on the day of judgment.”
The thanksgiving service was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, including the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Catherine Onyeme; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Benedict Etanabene; the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai; chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, among others.
