• 64th independence church services in FCT, states
The need for hope in a brighter future for the country, resonated in churches yesterday during services to mark the country’s 64th independence.
Church services were held in Abuja and many state capitals to signify the second leg of activities marking the anniversary as planned by the committee headed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
The activities kicked off on Friday with Jumat prayer mosques.
The remaining events will be held on tomorrow to round off the ceremonies.
Yesterday, in Abuja Archbishop of Abuja, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, who preceded, preached a sermon of hope for the country. He spoke prophetically of seeing a dream that Nigeria would become one of the giants of nations of the world.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Akume, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Works Dave Umahi; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Ester Walson-Jack and the President Court of Appeal Monica Dongbam-Memsen were in attendance.
Akpabio charged Nigerians to be patient and hopeful as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration steers the nation to its ‘brightest’ days.
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Admitting that the country faces “challenges’’ amidst upsets, Akpabio said with a united front and love, ‘’we will overcome.’’
He acknowledged the indomitable spirit and resilience of Nigerians as qualities that would make Nigeria come out of the woods.
The Senate President spoke at the Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja to mark the 64th Independence anniversary of Nigeria.
In Lagos, Imo, Enugu, Delta, and Benue states, their governors, also expressed optimism about a better Nigeria. The governors, who spoke at interdenominal church services to mark the anniversary, challenged Nigerians to be hopeful and prayerful.
Akpabio, in his remarks, said: “As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the challenges we face.
“Yes, the road ahead may be bumpy. Yes, there will be setbacks. But together, united in our faith and love for Nigeria, we will prevail.
“Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning and I urge each of you to be patient, to hold on to hope and to believe that change is not only possible but inevitable.
“Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of.
“Undoubtedly, the Nigerian nation is defined by resilience. From our earliest struggles for independence to the challenges of modern governance, we have continually shown our indomitable spirit.
“When faced with adversity, we rise. When confronted by challenges, we unite. Today, I thank God for the Nigerian spirit that has led us through turbulent times, across our Red Seas and Jordan Rivers, over our hills and mountains, and through every valley we have encountered,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President commended the leadership qualities of President Tinubu for steering the ship of the nation toward the path of prosperity.
Akpabio said President Tinubu has given Nigerians hope that “Nigeria can and will be better.”
Also, SGF Akume said the government was making “huge progress.”
He made specific reference to the Students Loans scheme, gains recorded in the battle against insecurity, and the CNG initiatives as some successes already recorded by the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
Akpabio also said the recent passage of the Southeast Development Commission Bill was to address all the injustices that happened in the zone.
“It will give them hope and prosperity and bring about inclusivity because most of the time, certain policies of the past tended to give the impression they were marginalized. But under this government, they are no longer marginalized, he said.
“There is hope. I have a dream too, that this country under Asiwaju is going to be the most blessed, most successful, and prosperous in Africa and the world,” Akume said.
Akume pleaded with former President Obasanjo to continue to speak in support of the country’s unity, territorial integrity and democracy.
Akume, also charged the elder statesman never to be tired of supporting the Tinubu administration.
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to focus on rebuilding the country.
Sanwo-Olu said: “Each of us must be willing to rebuild our nation. We should not only focus on our rights but also on our responsibilities; that is when we can assist in the total rebuilding of our nation.”
He was represented at the event held at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa. Ikeja, by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Sam Egube.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said in Owerri, that Nigerians have every reason to thank God after 64 years of Independence from colonial masters.
He said the country’s brightest days were ahead.
Uzodimma said even though ‘’past and present leadership’’ have not met the expectations of the people, there is ‘’hope and light at the end of the tunnel.’’
He addressed the congregation at the end of the Independence Day Anniversary Church Service at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri
He said: “Nigeria is a nation whose God is Lord. The past and present leadership may have fallen short of expectations of the people, yet there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel.”
Uzodimma’s counterpart in Anambra, called for collective action to salvage Nigeria from its present socio-economic and other challenges
Soludo, at an Interdenominational church service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders and the country.
“We are here to celebrate Nigeria and thank God in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th anniversary as an independent sovereign nation.
“My message is that it will take all of us to save Nigeria, government alone cannot do it,’ he said.