Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called on residents in the state and Nigerians at large to imbibe resilience and acts of patriotism ahead the annual celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Sanwo-Olu admonished on responsible citizenship and reflection of national unity, urging the citizens to remain commited to the country’s progress despite its challenges as well as demonstrate resilience as the nation gears to attain more developments for the benefit of all and sundry.
The Governor was speaking during a pre-Independence Day program tagged, “A Nation of Hope: Healing and Revival,” held in Alausa, Ikeja, noting that the country’s challenges should not overshadow its potential, pointing to its youthful population, natural resources, creativity and enterprise as reasons for renewed hope in its future.
During his representation by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at the event held on Sunday, he highlighted the Lagos State Government’s investments in transportation, education, healthcare, security and enterprise, saying the administration would continue to invest in the people and lay the foundation for future generations.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that building a better Nigeria would require more than prayers, urging the citizens to demonstrate responsibility, hard work, excellence, compassion and commitment to the common good.
Sanwo-Olu also called for greater unity and reconciliation, urging Nigerians to see the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity as a strength rather than a source of division, and further prayed for peace, justice, prosperity and opportunities for young people, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s brighter chapters were still ahead.
Also speaking at the service, a clergyman, Isaac Abiara, called for the spiritual and national restoration of Nigeria, urging citizens, families, churches and leaders to embrace hope, integrity, reconciliation and service to rebuild the country.
Speaking during a sermon on healing and Renewal, Abiara said Nigeria’s challenges should not lead to despair, stressing that the country’s history should not determine its future. He called for an end to ethnic and religious divisions, dishonesty, greed and indifference to the suffering of others, while urging Nigerians to promote unity and compassion.
The pastor also challenged political and public office holders to see leadership as a sacred trust rather than personal ownership.
He urged leaders to use their positions to serve the people, protect public resources and improve the lives of citizens, stressing that true leadership should be measured by how many people become better through a leader’s service.