Governors across the country yesterday spoke in one voice: Nigeria’s challenges are surmountable, if the people shun sentiments and work together in peace with a sense of purpose. Though they celebrated the nationhood in their respective states, their messages on the 59th Independence celebrations resonated with a high sense of hope and the need for all to rebuild the country, instead of pointing fingers and giving excuses. Our Correspondents capture the mood of the governors and their expectations from leaders at all levels and the led, in the years ahead.
We shall achieve our collective aspiration, says Sanwo-Olu
Amid intermittent downpour at the Police Parade Ground, Ikeja venue of the 59th independence celebration anniversary yesterday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians of commitment to achieving collective aspiration of the state and nation.
In his independence anniversary speech, the governor said: “As leaders in the position of authority, we are committed to achieving the greatest good for the greatest number.
“We will ensure that we do all that we can to improve and impact the lives of our people through our developmental programmes.”
He added that it was reassuring that the state was on the right track to attaining greatness and achieving a goal to build the foundation for a sustainable growth and development.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagosians take pride in the role the state has played and will continue to play in the development trajectory of the nation, “particularly in fulfilling the vision of our founding fathers.
“Today, we draw our strength from our cosmopolitan nature, which has made our state a melting pot for ethnic groups. This is one of the visions of our founding fathers, which we will continue to cherish, sustain and protect for generations.”
He appealed for continuous cooperation and support from all citizens of the state, saying: “Governance is not about the people in government alone, it is everybody’s business.”
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, appealed for compliance to rules and regulations as well as voluntary discharge of civic obligation from citizens.
“This is what it takes to build a greater Lagos, it is a duty and it shall be accomplished by the special grace of God,” he said.
I believe in indivisible, stronger nation, says Umahi
Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has reiterated his belief in an indivisible and stronger Nigeria built on godliness, equity, justice and peace.
The governor hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his administration’s work on the Second Niger Bridge, which he said holds a lot of economic promise for the people of the region.
He also lauded the Federal Government’s agricultural programmes, saying they have been beneficial to the predominantly farming population of Ebonyi State, especially in rice production.
The governor promised to travel today to South Africa with the President to look into the challenges Nigerians are facing in that country.
He urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to uphold the cultural values for which the country is known for, saying this would change the negative perception associated with Nigeria abroad.
“We must, as Nigerians, do everything to uphold our cultural value and better ourselves outside the country. The way we are treated outside the shores of this land is not encouraging. We have to do empirical evaluation of ourselves. We get devalued a lot in other nations.
“I get a lot of calls from people in Ghana, saying a lot of them are about to be sentenced. Some people have been imprisoned for 1,000 years and some for 500 years in prison.
“And so, it is important that as Nigerians we re-evaluate our statues and our values because the way we are treated – even as a governor – you don’t wear a governor’s badge at the airport. When I was in America, they singled some of us out and conducted a thorough search. It is an intimidation. We will not continue to live in such manner that humiliates our nation. It is very important,” Umahi said.
The governor noted that the closure of the Enugu International Airport was for the safety of the people of Southeast and other Nigerians using the airport.
The governor was alluding to the action of the Federal Government, which shut the airport for maintenance work on its runway.
Umahi spoke yesterday at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium in Abakaliki, the state capital, during the nation’s 59th Independence anniversary celebration.
“Let me assure Ebonyi people and the entire Southeast that the closure of the Akanipu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu was for the safety of our people.
“As the Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, I had a meeting with Mr President and we agreed on modalities for quick execution and, of course, a comprehensive overhaul of that airport.
“We are seeking a special funding with Mr President. As I travel with him, I will also reveal to him how much we have gone in the release of the funds for the quick completion of that project.
“We have provided two coaster buses, 10 pick-up vans and a brand new liaison zone office in Owerri. These will assist our people who go to the airport there,” he said.
Umahi said his administration would conduct a test for teachers in the state to ascertain the level of their competence.
The governor promised that no one would be sacked because of the test, while those who fail would be sent to the vocational schools set up by the state government to learn about modern agriculture and other vocations.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to fight cultism to a standstill.
“It appears we are winning the war on cultism, but I assure you we have just started. We shall introduce a whistle blowers programme whereby you give us accurate information on persons involved in cultism and you get rewarded for such information,” Umahi said.
AbdulRazaq pledges legacy of equal opportunities
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said his administration plans to leave a legacy of equal opportunity, gender parity, youth inclusiveness and fiscal discipline.
He urged the people to support his drive for growth and development.
AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, to commemorate the 59th Independence Day anniversary, called for consensus among Nigerians, especially the political elite, to build a country where no one is left to suffer or is treated unfairly on account of whatever differences.
The governor said the independence anniversary offers another window to celebrate Nigeria’s unity in diversity, noting that the country’s togetherness after 59 years is an achievement.
“I join Mr. President and all patriots across the country to call on all Nigerians to embrace one another and build a country where we identify and treat ourselves only as citizens and fellow human beings, and not as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Fulani, Christians, or Muslims. We should work harder to build a nation-state with zero emphasis on these cleavages,” the statement quoted him as saying.
“Fellow citizens, 59 years down the road, we should build a country that works for all and not just for the privileged few. This requires that we look at the bigger picture each time we take decisions in our areas of influence. That bigger picture is national unity, national development and collective prosperity where no one is left behind.”
AbdulRazaq advocated a consensus among critical stakeholders to free up funds to develop Nigeria.
“On this note, I call on the political class to begin to see things in terms of what benefits the whole community and not what is politically expedient. Election is long over. Whether we belong to the ruling party or to the opposition, we are all confronted with the question of extreme poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, the danger of climate change, crime and other challenges,” the statement said.
Akeredolu: there should be no more excuses
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said yesterday that the leadership of the country had exhausted all excuses for its underdevelopment 59 years after independence.
The governor, in his speech at the independence anniversary, said the country had not got to where it should be since it got flag independence from Britain 59 years ago.
He was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi.
Akeredolu said the task before the leadership of the country was to build a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for the good of the country and the state.
He said the country could achieve her desired destination with more hard work, enterprise, creativity and fight against corruption.
The governor said: “The nation is going through some challenges ranging from insecurity of lives and property to poor welfare and other problems which are making lives difficult for our people.”
He said the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government and Southwest states to map out strategies to stamp out banditry.
Akeredolu said his administration has procured 120 motorcycles and 20 Hilux buses to assist in tackling insecurity.
He added that a security outfit, ‘Amotekun’, would soon be inaugurated in the Southwest to tackle insecurity.
The governor said that the government was doing everything possible to improve the state’s economy and ensure that the citizens enjoy new lease of life.
Fayemi solicits citizens’ greater commitment
Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 59th independence anniversary.
He called for the citizens’ greater commitment to ensure the nation’s greatness.
Fayemi, in a goodwill message in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, also congratulated Ekiti State people on the 23rd anniversary of the creation of the state.
He urged the Ekiti at home and abroad to support his administration in repositioning the state as a destination of choice for living and for investments.
The governor said the present administration “is laying a strong foundation for an all-round development of the state, focusing on its five pillars of development and through huge investments in knowledge, economy, urban, agricultural, industrial and human capital development”.
Noting that the policies of the administrations have started yielding positive results with attendant boost in the quality of life of the average citizen, Governor Fayemi said he was confident that the state and its people would return to the frontline.
He said: “I congratulate Nigerians on the country’s 59th independence anniversary, and I urge all to remain steadfast in our collective efforts to make the country a better place for us all.
“Similarly, I rejoice with the Ekitikete on the 23rd anniversary of the creation of our dear state. Although we may not have attained all that we would have loved to attain, we can look back and give thanks to God for how much he has helped us.
“Mention must also be made of the efforts made by successive administrations to develop the state as well as the leadership that have been provided by the former chief executives of the state.
“The task of rebuilding and repositioning the state is a collective effort and through your cooperation, we shall build a truly prosperous state and put our state firmly on the path of honour and irreversible development.”
Makinde calls for orientation change
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a change of orientation on the part of Nigerians by ensuring that they put national interests first and above what he described as “egocentric concepts” that negate the country’s progress.
Noting that the Independence Day celebration used to be marked with fanfare, the governor stressed that this year’s edition calls for sober reflection in the state and the nation at large.
He spoke yesterday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, after a commemorative march past led by officers of the Oyo State Police Command.
Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Rauf Olaniyan, assured the people that notwithstanding the plethora of challenges facing the country, his administration would chart the course that would launch Oyo State into a land of great investments with economic opportunities and agricultural development.
He said: “There is need to change our orientation to put national interest first above all egocentric concepts that negate the progress of the nation.
“The present administration will continue to chart a course that will launch the state into a land of great investments with economic opportunities and agricultural development, so that the state in the not too distant future will be a state of pride to us as before.
“Welfare programmes will be our focus in order to create a good life for all the citizens of Oyo State as we pursue our four policy thrust of agricultural development and its value chain, health, education and security.
“We have a genuine desire to embark on aggressive strategy on mechanised agriculture and agricultural value chain that will not only provide employment for our people, but one that will make Oyo State the food basket of the nation.
“In order to achieve a greater level of educational development, we must invest in all-round development of our opportunity for self-development, self-reliance and self-actualisation by exposing our people to training that will assist them to become patriotic and responsible citizens in the society.
“Hence the intervention programme launched with the distribution of textbooks and exercise books to all the schools in Oyo State.
“I use the occasion of this year’s celebration to seek the cooperation of all progressive minded people, civil servants, artisans, stakeholders, political leaders and followers. We shall accommodate all interests to ensure that every part of the state has a sense of belonging.
“As Nigeria celebrates her 59th independence anniversary today, I congratulate us and pray that at our time, the dream of Eldorado is achieved. I wish you all a happy low key independence celebration.”
Let’s rebuild our country, Okowa tells Nigerians
For Nigerians to enjoy life more abundant, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday advised them to eschew divisive attitudes that have worsened the state of the nation.
He said unity, peaceful coexistence and brotherliness would make it easy for all to rebuild a nation that the current and future generations would be proud of.
A statement yesterday in Asaba, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, quoted the governor as saying there was need for all Nigerians to shun ethnic, religious and sectional sentiments and collaborate to rebuild a nation where peace, justice and economic growth would reign.
He said: “On behalf of government and the people of Delta, I congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 2019 Independence celebration.
“As a people, we have enjoyed democratic governance in the last 20 years, but we have not fully harnessed the gains of democracy.
“It is appalling that after 20 years of democracy in Nigeria, we are still faced with same challenges of corruption, insecurity, infrastructure deficits, as a nation.
“I urge all Nigerians to use the occasion of the 59th Independence anniversary to redefine what should constitutes national interest, and unite and rally to achieve that dream.
“Let us only support and elect leaders with competence and capacity to realise the dream of rebuilding and uniting the nation.
“As a people, we must take interest in politics and ensure that our choice of leaders is devoid of religious, ethnic and geo-political considerations, and it should permeate all levels.
“I urge leaders at all levels to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of politics and good governance to ensure that they deliver a better nation to our people,” he said.
Oyetola preaches unity
Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola yesterday urged Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to remain firmly committed to the unity of the country.
In his goodwill message, the governor assured Nigerians of better days ahead, saying no achievement could surpass the country’s togetherness as a nation.
This, he stressed, had remained intact, despite all the challenges that had threatened it in the last 59 years.
Oyetola said the people owed the country a responsibility to join the government in examining issues that threaten the country’s collective survival with a view to marshalling out plans for socio-political and economic growth and sustainable development.
He said: “I congratulate and felicitate with every citizen of The State of Osun and, by extension, all Nigerians, on this joyous event and on the journey so far.
“On all accounts, it is appropriate to roll out the drums to celebrate the accomplishment of the vision of our founding fathers to birth a strong, indivisible, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“Although the journey has been adorned by dark days of colonialism, a shattering civil war and occasional crises, we have proved to the world that our ethnic, linguistic and religious diversities are sources of strength, not division.
“Fifty-nine years down the road, we have had our accomplishments and failings, but Project Nigeria is on course.
“Consequently, we owe it to ourselves and posterity to continue to interrogate issues that threaten our collective survival as a nation. In our introspection, we must review not just the last 59 years but also attempt to project further afield into the years ahead and marshal our plans for socio-political and economic growth and sustainable development.”
Tambuwal advises youths on self-reliance, peace
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal yesterday advised Nigerian youths to work for the country’s greatness.
The governor noted that their engagement in legitimate ventures and promotion of peaceful co-existence would make the nation’s future more secured.
He said these are the basic ingredients to launch the youths on the path self-reliance and patriotism to justify felicitating Nigeria’s mark of prosperity after 59 years of independence.
The governor also said Nigerians should not allow the current challenges to dampen the joy of celebrating the nationhood.
Tambuwal spoke at the International Conference Centre, Sokoto, the state capital, at a special interactive session with youths’ groups and students in commemoration of the Independence anniversary.
The governor noted that despite the various hitches, the anniversary was worth celebrating by patriotic Nigerians.
According to him, the legacies and struggles by the country’s past heroes should not be in vain, hence “Nigerians have cause to celebrate in recognition of their contributions as our founding brothers”.
Tambuwal said Nigerians across the world should thank God and extend their hands of gratitude “to President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for the historic celebration”.
The governor noted that most Nigerians were not happy with the challenges facing the country, adding: “But we shall continue to celebrate our country’s independence.”
He advised the youths to give priority to education in order to remain productive and self-reliant.
“Youths would always remain leaders of today and tomorrow, by God’s grace. The state government will ensure the building and reshaping of their capacities as generational future leaders,” he said.
Kano moves to promote peaceful coexistence
Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said yesterday in Kano that his administration would adopt measures aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in the state.
The governor, who spoke during the independence anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, said it was imperative and more constructive for Nigeria as a nation to remain together than to split.
“Our diversity, which breeds abundance in our culture and heritage, should not be used as a tool to split us, but should rather bring us together for as long as there is understanding and respect,” he said.
Ganduje, represented by his deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, described the theme of this year’s celebration: ‘Peaceful Coexistence For National Unity and Development’, as appropriate, considering the challenges facing the nation, which include security, religious related tension, ethnical disintegration and indigene-settler disputes, among others.
He said: “Our youths are our most valuable human assets and we believe that their destiny should not be defined by their circumstances or situation in life. We cannot, therefore, as parents, government or as a society continue to make excuses for the difficulties restricting their hopes for a better life.
“This administration will maintain its friendly posture towards our youths that saw the empowerment of more than 200,000 youths in the last four years. Priority will continue to be given to youth development by tackling the challenges that keep them behind.”
Ganduje said in the last four years, his administration had delivered significant milestones and advanced the progress of the state, especially in the area of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and job creation, adding: “This second tenure will be another chance to take tough decisions on the tasks ahead with courage, commitment and compassion.”
Wike decries faulty electoral system
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has decried the faulty electoral system in the last 20 years of the nation’s democracy.
He said it is responsible for the poor leadership selection process.
Addressing the people yesterday at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, Wike said: “We pride ourselves as a democratic nation, yet for 20 years, our electoral process has remained fraudulent and incapable of delivering free and fair elections.
“Yet, we are shamefully carrying on as if all is well, resisting every attempt at providing a credible electoral system and not minding the monumental damage this has caused and continues to cause to the character and quality of our politics, leadership recruitment and nation building.”
The governor said this year’s anniversary had mixed results as there were areas where the country had made progress, while in others it failed woefully.
“By all accounts, it has been 59 years of mixed results; making significant strides in some respect and failing woefully in others. Nevertheless, we have reason to celebrate this day because we have been free and will remain a free and sovereign nation forever,” he said.
Imo to roll out five-year development plan
Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has said his administration is developing a five-year economic blueprint to restore the state to its former glory.
Speaking yesterday in Owerri during the independence anniversary celebration, he said:
“Reforms are ongoing to improve service delivery across board, motivate the workforce and right the wrongs inflicted on the psyche of the personnel by eight years of misgovernment.”
The governor added: “We have embarked on a comprehensive plan of overhauling our infrastructure, which was ruined by shoddy contract awards, quackery and entrenched policy of graft. Work is commencing shortly for the reconstruction of 14 critical roads, both within the Owerri township and across the state.
“It is important to state that we are reviewing our security architecture with a view to ensuring security of lives and property and restoration of confidence in the government.”
‘Nigeria will overcome challenges’
Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has expressed optimism that Nigeria will soon overcome its socio-economic challenges and launch into a new era of prosperity.
Speaking yesterday in Uyo during the Independence Day anniversary, the governor urged Nigerians to be steadfast, as the country struggles to tackle underdevelopment that has been plaguing the nation for many years.
He said: “The country is blessed with abundant natural resources as well as experienced human capital,” adding that if such natural wealth was painstakingly harnessed, the nation should become the envy of the world.
“I have never seen a country that is so as blessed as Nigeria in terms of human resources. We have a whole lot of Nigerians that have the capacity. So, we need to harness and see what we can make out of the resources,” Emmanuel said.