INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: NIGERIA’S STRENGTH LIES IN SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES - SANWO-OLU

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace both their rights and responsibilities to build a stronger and more united country.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, spoke at a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th anniversary of independence. Governor Sanwo-Olu urged citizens to prioritize carrying out their civic duties over merely demanding their rights.

As the Governor pointed out, although citizens have a legitimate claim to certain liberties and safeguards, growth in the country also hinges on individuals realizing and fulfilling their duties and commitments.

“Nigeria will become stronger when we, as a people, shift from only focusing on our rights to embracing both our rights and responsibilities. We cannot build a prosperous and united country if we are solely concerned with what we are owed, without considering what we owe to our nation and one another”, he said.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that everyone must contribute to the common good and that attaining national development calls for teamwork. He reaffirmed that every Nigerian must actively contribute to promoting unity, lowering tensions, and defending the rule of law if the country is to realize its full potential.

In order for the state to prosper, the governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. He emphasized that in order to make sure that investments made in these areas are worthwhile and effective, public cooperation is necessary.

Referring to the event’s theme, “Rebuilders of Broken Foundations”, and drawing from Isaiah 58:12, Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the need for Nigerians to unite and restore what has been broken or lost in the country.

“The responsibility of the citizens must not end at the ballot box. Nigerians should be actively interested in how they are governed and seek to be directly involved in shaping the nation’s future”, Sanwo-Olu stated.

Regarding Nigeria’s future, the guest preacher, Bishop (Dr.) Jeremiah Babatunde Adeyemi of CMAG International Ministry, was upbeat. He asked the people to stop complaining and arguing and to spend their time in prayer and petition for a better tomorrow.

At the 64th Anniversary Thanksgiving, which took place at the Chapel of Christ The Light in Alausa, religious leaders, public servants, and residents came together in a spirit of prayer and contemplation for the advancement of Nigeria. The Lagos State Secretariat Mosque in Alausa, Ikeja hosted a Special Jumat Service on Friday, ahead of the annual Independence celebrations.

Distinguished guests attending the event included Lady Gladys Ndubuisi Kanu, the former First Lady of Lagos State, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and Mr. Femi Pedro, who was joined by Hon. Justice Jumoke Pedro, his spouse.

Members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, the State Executive Council, and Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were also present. Among the other important attendees were the Chief Judge of Lagos State, the Head of Service, the Oba of Lagos, and the Iyaloja-General.

Special prayers were offered during the service for Nigeria’s military, economy, and leadership.