The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has called for greater unity, patriotism and self-reliance as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a message to residents of Cross River State, Governor Otu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Peter Odey at the anniversary celebration held at the main bowl of the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, said that the celebration provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey and the sacrifices of its founding nationalists.
He urged citizens to uphold patriotism, integrity, self-reliance and religious tolerance, describing these as essential national values.
“Every year’s independence celebration is rather an event for social, economic and political appraisal of our journey so far as a nation. It should be an introspection of what independence stands for,” Otu said.
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According to the governor, Cross River has made progress in religious tolerance, social justice, participatory governance and youth empowerment, while identifying agriculture and food security as key components of the state’s drive for self-reliance.
“Our target is absolute food security,” he said, describing the agricultural drive as “Food Independence.”
Otu also called on the people to reject distrust, ethnic bias and other tendencies capable of undermining the state’s unity and development.
People-First
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ekpenyong Cobham, said that Cross River was undergoing what he described as economic and social re-engineering under the People First administration.
He cited support for farmers and fishing communities, agricultural programmes and training in the Republic of China on electric vehicles and urban mobility amongst ongoing initiatives.
Meanwhile, APC Deputy National Treasurer, Ben Akak, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s challenges.
“At 66, Nigeria may not yet be the country of our dreams, but it remains a country of immense possibilities,” Akak said.
Also, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, said economic reforms were creating opportunities for grassroots women.
Edu promised to intensify community-level sensitisation to assist women identify and access available government programmes.
She called for national unity and peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians.
The celebration featured parade by policemen, match-past by school children and uniformed organization as well as climaxed with the presentation of trophies to the best performing schools.
