Challenged @ 64: Unity, Patriotism Hold the Ace for Nigeria’s Breakthrough, Say Tinubu, Soludo
By Chuka Nnabuife | ANCISRO
Anambra State’s local governments’ elections (LG Elections) of September 28 has come and gone. The fact that it was successful and a threshold crossed after over a decade in the state makes the event more remarkable. It was also a very huge relief for ndi Anambra State, and it held smoothly too.
A week before the Anambra LG polls, a gubernatorial election was held successfully in Edo State while LG elections also held without sordid event in Imo State. Similarly, Enugu State also had its LG polls without untoward events.
Considered cumulatively, the winner in all instances is Nigeria. The Nigerian people, in particular, won.
Today, Tuesday , October 1, as Nigerians mark the 64th anniversary of the country’s Independence from the colonial rule of England, what is there to commemorate most is the land’s keenness to overcome despite her social and economic drawbacks.
Nigerians despite their mounting challenges, exhibit rare courage against odds and the resilience manifestly present on the streets, homes and offices tell clear tales of a land and populace, eager to beat whatever challenge facing them.
Speaking after a Christian worship session held in St. Faith Anglican Cathedral, Awka, in honour of the anniversary, Anambra State’s Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, raised hope that Nigeria will overcome her challenges. He noted that the recovery of the greatness of Nigeria can come soon and fast if every person works seriously and sincerely on the Nigeria project.
“We all,” the governor noted, “have a role to play in building a strong and prosperous nation. Let us continue to pray for our leaders and the country at large.”
He spoke further, thusly:
“Today is Thanksgiving in commemoration of Nigeria as a sovereign nation…
“Yearly, it appears that Nigeria’s past is always more glorious than our today.”
Reminding of the lyrics of the late Afro music star, Sunny Okosuns’ hit number of the 1980s ‘Which Way, Nigeria?’ the Governor urged: “let’s save Nigeria, so Nigeria won’t die.”
“It is good to complain but better to do something about a bad situation. If you are living in an underdeveloped country, you must be multi-tasking – get a farm or something else.”
He called on ndị Anambra and all Nigerians to place their hands on the plough and work hard to get Nigeria out of the woods.
The Governor reasoned that with the support of the people and everyone doing his best to prop his neighbour there would be huge lift and joy in the land.
Furthermore the commencement of free education in government-owned secondary schools as well as begining of payment of national minimum wage to workers in Anambra State among other lifts for citizens and residents are all intended to improve the standard of living of ndi Anambra.
The governor urged unity and patriotism from the people as well as the bonding of the people and the state.
President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu also used the occasion of his address on Nigeria’s 64th anniversary of independence to call on all citizens to work with government to solve the country’s problems which he appraised as easily solvable with the collaboration.
The President said his government is about economic reforms and promised that through it he would attract tens of billions of foreign direct investments, stabilise foreign exchange market, reduced debt service ratio and implement measures to increase food production.
Appraising his efforts in area of security as having eliminated Boko Haram and bandits’ commanders; restored peace to communities in the North and enabled farmers to return to farms, he raised hope of increase in food production across country.
He announced that his government is planning a National Youth Conference and has initiated a three million Technical Talents program along with the recently established Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
President Tinubu therefore, emphasised the importance of national unity and social harmony. Recognising that Nigeria’s diversity as a strength not a handicap. He urged Nigerians to believe in their country as a land of huge promise.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain resilient and work together towards a better future, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
Hence, more than anything else, the 64th anniversary of Nigeria beckons on citizens and government to forge a strong bond to lead Nigeria out of the woods. There is actually, no better time to sue for stronger unity and patriotism from Nigerians.
_Sir *Chuka Nnabuife* is the Managing Director of Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office, ANCISRO, Awka_
