• Governors preach unity, peace at 61st Independence anniversary church service
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its economic, religious, ethnic, security and other challenges.
He said the country remains Africa’s shining star, despite the difficulties it is passing through.
Governors also urged Nigerians to unite for peace to enable the country to overcome its current challenges. The Vice-President maintained that 10 of the country’s 36 states have larger economies than major African countries.
Osinbajo spoke on Sunday in Abuja at Nigeria’s 61st Independent anniversary inter-denominational church service and 45th anniversary thanksgiving service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
In his speech, titled: The Vision Undefeated, he said: “That vision of our forebears is inherent in the words of our national motto: ‘Unity, Faith, Peace and Progress’. Through the years, we worked that vision, through thick and thin. From subjection to colonial monarchy to sovereign republic, to civil rule to military rule.
“We fought a bitter war among brothers, which cost millions of lives. Though we still wear the deep scars of those wounds, the Lord preserved the Republic.
“We have since become the most educated and most entrepreneurial nation in Africa. Ten of our 36 states have larger economies than major African countries. From our ranks, we have the most accomplished men and women: in the arts, in the sciences, in sports, in technology and commerce.
“But today, yet again, our path has been dogged by conflicts: religious and ethnic, economic challenges, insurgencies and banditry, much darkness, many valleys, many thorns…”
Osinbajo assured Nigerians that the various challenges, notwithstanding, Nigeria would not lose its vision of attaining greater heights.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha said every Nigerian should be thankful to God, despite what the country has gone through.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said: “I want the Vice-President to inform the President that we are praying and we believe that all will be well. Psalm 67: 5-7.
“God shall bless us. Giving thanks is a command by God. Those who are praying for Nigeria to survive are many,” he said.
Also, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, who spoke at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield, Jos, said: “The current security challenges are a major setback for us that may not be overcome, if we do not unite and speak with one voice.
“Just as the criminals unite to cause mayhem, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political backgrounds, we, as good citizens, must work together in unison to defeat them.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Ibadan, said: “…There is a lot we need to thank God for. He has been merciful unto us and we have received many blessings and grace. We know there are still a lot of things to be done as a country.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s determination to deliver his campaign promises to the people.
He said the government would do more, if the state was allowed to collect the Value Added Tax (TAX).
Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday at Chapel of Christ the Light at Alausa in Ikeja, the state capital, during Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary church servie.
He said: “We should ensure there is equity and fairness. That is why we talk about VAT. We know and believe that if Lagos gets more, we would do more. If Lagos can get a lot more, we will a do a lot more, because that is what we deserve; that is what is expected, that is what is required and that is what we are committed to.”
“Year in, year out, your government implements over 90 per cent of the budget. What this means is that if we have the capacity to get more, we will be able to give more to the people.”
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma urged Nigerians to emphasise what unite them to evolve a greater nation.
Uzodimma spoke yesterday at a special church service at the Government House Chapel in Owerri, the state capital, ahead of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration on October 1.
He urged Nigerians to “eschew bitterness, rancour, sentiments and emotions, drop all the differences in us and maximise those things that unite us for a greater Nigeria”.
The governor also urged the nation’s leadership at all levels to “think of a greater Nigeria by tackling governance in the best way that will benefit our people”.