C'River Gov. Otu Urges Collective Efforts for Sustained Peace, Nation Building ... Celebrates Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary
Hannah ARIKPO
As the Nation marks sixty-six Independence from Colonial rule, the Cross River state Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has stressed the need for collaborative efforts to sustain the collective task of building a legacy of unity and peace for generations yet unborn.
Sen. Otu observed, the task of nation building requires a shared sense of responsibility and renewed faith for the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria as an indivisible entity. He called on Nigerians to reject violence, respect the rule of law and be resolute to the peaceful development of the Country.
The Governor was speaking in a Goodwill message read by the Speaker of the Cross River state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elbert Ayambem at the interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the Nation's Independence Anniversary held at the Christian Central Chapel International, Faith Mansion World Center, City of Testimonies, 8Miles, Calabar.
He viewed the independent celebration as a significant moment to reflect on the vision and sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s independence and as well thank the Almighty for His faithfulness.
Independence Day goes beyond commemorating a historical date because it reminds citizens of their responsibility to contribute to the development of their country.
The Governor, noted that although Nigeria has faced various challenges since independence in 1960, the people have continued to demonstrate resilience, enterprise and faith in the country’s future.
On Nigeria’s diversity, the Governor urged citizens to regard the country’s ethnic, linguistic and religious differences as a source of strength rather than division.
Otu further reaffirmed the commitment of his administration towards improving the welfare of Cross Riverians through expanded opportunities for young people, stronger education and healthcare systems, support for businesses and enterprise, improved infrastructure and increased investment.
In accordance to the present administration’s People First Agenda, Sen.Otu stated, government would continue to work towards creating a state where citizens can live peacefully, pursue their livelihoods with dignity and approach the future with confidence.He, however, stressed that government alone cannot achieve these goals, calling for the active participation of religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector, civil society organisations, youths and citizens.
In his exhortation, the Founder of Christian Central Chapel international, (CCIC) Ikot Eneobong, Calabar, Archbishop Emmah Gospel Isong, reminded the people to always appreciate God's benevolence of the past to attract solutions for current challenges and more blessings for the future
The clergy cautioned politicians against making utterances capable of inciting disunity, hatred and tribalism amongst Nigerians, especially now that the country is witnessing increased electioneering. He identified the lack of forgiveness,
forgetfulness, fear, murmuring and excessive worry as negative tendencies that could hinder individuals and the nation from achieving their potentials, saying:" Nigerians should remember the country’s past blessings and draw hope from them as they confront present challenges."
The Archbishop further called for a national transformation anchored on spiritual renewal, economic reforms, pragmatic government policies, cultural change,
industrialization, healthcare development and quality education, stressing that education should equip graduates to create jobs rather than depend solely on government employment.
The Cross River Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Hon. Ekpenyong Cobham acknowledged, President Tinubu's renewed hope to Nigerians has placed the country on a path of economic revitalisation. "All the indicators, economically, show that Nigeria is on the path of revitalisation and recovery," he said.
Pst. Cobham said the Otu administration had brought significant change, with increased economic activity and growing confidence in the future, citing rising air travel through Calabar as one indicator of expanding movement and economic activity. He urged Cross Riverians to remain focused and confident in the direction of the State.
Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, said the Independence anniversary offered an opportunity to give thanks to God for sustaining Nigeria's unity despite its diversity. "For me, it is all glory to God because, despite our diversity in religion, politics, culture and tradition including our multiplicity of languages, Nigeria has remained united since independence," he said. He urged Nigerians to continue praying, remain hopeful, promote national unity, and support their leaders in advancing the country's development, acknowledging the nation's challenges while maintaining that sustained progress remained achievable through unity and peace.
Special prayers were offered for the President of Nigeria, State Governors including the various arms of government, Unity, Security and Prosperity of the Nation as well as full restoration and manifestation of the Glory of Cross River state.
The thanksgiving service was witnessed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme who took the first Bible reading, from Exodus 15:22–25. Service Commanders, Leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Senior government officials, traditional rulers, and Service Commanders. It also featured a unity dance-drama presentation by youths in praise of Cross River State and Nigeria.
