As
Nigerians celebrates the country’s 55th independence, Delta State Governor,
Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians to reflect on the myriads of
challenges confronting the nation.
In an
address to commemorate the Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary
of Nigeria in Asaba today, Governor Okowa observed that apart from security
challenges, the country was still being bedeviled by corruption and other
challenges.
The Governor noted that,
“the security of our country in the face of indigenous terrorism, the scourge
of corruption ravaging not only our public institutions but also our collective
national psyche, grave questions over the control and appropriation of our
natural resources, the disturbing rate of unemployed and unemployable Nigerians,
are just some of the numerous trials we have faced and continue to encounter on
our path to realizing the growth and development of our State, nation and
people.”
“I
imagine the best way to celebrate Nigeria’s independence is to pay tributes to
Nigeria’s extraordinary men and women in uniform who are battling insurgency to
restore peace in the North east,” the Governor reiterated, adding, “as we
celebrate, let us pause to remember and pray for our compatriots who as I speak,
are in trenches battling insurgents to save our country; we should also spare
thoughts for their families and the internally displaced persons in various
camps, we need to pray for our President, Mohammadu Buhari, in his push to rid
our country of insurgents, who are determined to destabilize our dear nation.”
The
Governor, who paid glowing tributes to those who fought for the country’s
independence like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa and Tony
Enahoro among others, used the occasion to reassure Deltans of his
administration’s commitment to their welfare and ensuring prosperity for all
Deltans.
According
to him, “this administration is looking towards changes, which we hope will put
paid to the divisive and destructive use of ethnicity as a social construct for
defining our identity as a people; bickering, excessive confrontation and
biased ethnic patriotism are not in accordance with the spirit of the current
dispensation,” adding, “our elites and leaders of thought must as of necessity,
re-channel their energies towards building a progressive society; we are open
to constructive criticisms and useful suggestions that can help to positively
impact on our dear State; we remain very sensitive to the concerns of Deltans.”
“With
increasing investment in not just roads, schools, healthcare facilities and
other physical infrastructure but also in our youths through genuine
empowerment, what should become more important should be the quality and
efficiency of the policies and programmes of government,” the Governor
emphasised, adding, “fellow Deltans, let us use this occasion of our 55th
Independence Anniversary to soberly reflect on how to improve on our collective
living conditions, because, with your co-operation and understanding, we can
bring succour to the lives of our people.”
Governor
Okowa inspected a guard of honour mounted for him by the Nigeria Police, and
other para-military agencies, while the occasion featured match past and
cultural displays.
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