Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to keep praying for the nation and to work towards its betterment despite the ongoing challenges.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria will improve, emphasising that citizens must actively contribute to this progress.
Governor Makinde made these remarks on Thursday following the Independence Day Walk commemorating Nigeria’s 64th anniversary.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, he led a 2.5-kilometer walk that started at the Government House Arcade in Agodi, Ibadan, passed through the Total Garden Roundabout, and concluded at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
While describing the exercise as a “Prayer Walk,” the governor noted that Nigeria is not the only country faced with challenges, as other nations in the world are also experiencing trying times.
He prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the leaders in making the right decisions that would make the country great.
According to the governor, the Walk is one of the activities lined up to celebrate the country’s 64th Independence Day.
He said: “We thank God for another opportunity to celebrate Nigeria.
“This is part of the activities lined up for the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and we are glad to be doing this just the way we do it annually. And that is why we are here today, taking this walk.
“As Nigerians, we should continue to pray for our country. Even the countries that we think are better have their challenges. So, we pray to see the good of Nigeria in our lifetime.
“We know we are going through some challenges right now and all the prayers are centred around the fact that God should take control of our leaders.
“We pray that God will give them wisdom to make the right decisions for Nigeria to get progressively better and that is what we should be doing every day for this country.”
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The governor equally congratulated all Nigerians, especially residents of Oyo State on the opportunity to witness another Independence Day celebration.
“Congratulations to everybody on witnessing another Independence Day. When there is life, there is hope. And because we are still alive, we hope that we will continue to see a better Nigeria.
“Let us also give our best to Nigeria. If you want to see a better Nigeria, you must also be doing something within your capacity at your own end. So, everybody should work towards making Nigeria a better place for us all.”
Top government functionaries that joined the Independence Walk were the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioners, other political appointees, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, General Managers, party stalwarts, and members of the public.