Nigerians have been urged to remain steadfast in optimism and spirit of enterprise for a better nation.
The Cross River State Governor Professor Ben Ayade made the call at a ceremony to mark the nation’s sixty-first Independence Day anniversary in Calabar, the state capital.
Wakeup call
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, said that this year’s independence anniversary should serve as a wakeup call and platform to reflect on the past to re-chart the future.
He stated, “we cannot say with absolute conviction that at 61 years, it has been a bed of roses. At best, it has been an admixture, sometimes chequered, disappointing, hard and fraught with challenges that so often tend to numb our spirits.
“In the last 61 years, we have demonstrated more commitment, greater faith and belief in the project Nigeria than anyone imagined. We have survived brutal assaults, wriggled through tremors of recurring violence and sailed through seas of divisive politics. We are confronted by waves of insurgency and banditry, but, against all odds, we have continued to bounce back, rediscover ourselves by staying focused, steadfast and optimistic.
“This anniversary marks another turning point as we continue to soldier on with audacity of hope, refreshing optimism and spirit of enterprise. This celebration should no doubt serve as a reawakening and an enticing platform to reflect on our past in order to re-chart our future. I enjoin you to remain resolute by recommitting and rededicating yourselves to the enduring values and vision that distinguishes us as a people,” the governor stated.
He urged the people to pray for God’s grace and enablement to overcome the challenges of today and actualize the dreams of tomorrow to attain true independence.
The ceremony, which was attended by heads of security agencies in Cross River, top politicians and government functionaries as well as a cross section of society, featured a match past by children from thirty-five different schools converged on the U. J. Esuene stadium in Calabar.
The celebration also featured different cultural displays by school children amid rain showers.
Dominica Nwabufo
