Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday congratulated Nigerians as the nation marks its 55th Independence Anniversary as a sovereign state, saying patriotism and selfless service are two virtues that can truly reflect the essence of the country’s independence.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, stated the period of independence must not be lost on anyone, urging Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the pride and service of the nation, as exemplified by the nation’s founding fathers.
The governor stated there was the need to rekindle the flame that ignited the determination of the founding fathers to fight for and obtain independence and the pride they had in serving the country. He added that there was no better time than now to reawaken the waning glory of the nation.
“You would recall that Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, had on that memorable day, 55 years ago, in his Independence Anniversary speech, admonished everybody to dedicate their life and service to our country. This, for me, is the springboard that can help us to return to our glorious past that the likes of the late Pa Anthony Enahoro, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the late Sir Herbert Macaulay and a host of others helped to build in their time,” he stated.
Ambode stated the 2015 elections was a period that handed the nation a lifeline to put her back on track and reclaim its waning glory as the giant of Africa.
HE urged Nigerians, irrespective of their party affiliation, religious belief or ethnic leaning, to join hands with the government of the day to salvage the nation.
He also called on Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to rebuild the nation’s foundation, saying such efforts could not be left to the government alone.
The governor expressed optimism that the Buhari-led administration would succeed in its quest to reduce the rate of poverty, fight corruption, change the economic fortunes and stem the tide of insecurity in the country, especially in the North-East geo-political zone, saying it would however require all hands to be on deck.