As Nigeria celebrates her 61st Independence Anniversary, Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State North Central Nigeria has called on citizens of the country not to lose hope or despair by the current challenges facing the Nation.
Governor Lalong made the call at the 61st Independence Day Parade held at the Rwang Pan township stadium Jos.
Governor Lalong said the day was, without doubt, a special day in the life of our Nation as it gives the opportunity to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our challenges, and project into the future.
“Sixty-one years ago, the founding fathers of our great nation who fought for independence from the colonialists had a lot of hope and aspirations for a nation that is built on peace, progress and diversity. Today, we can look back and say that we have come a long way in our journey towards nationhood. Indeed so much has been achieved in terms of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and unity. When we look back into the years past, we can say that the journey has not been easy, but yet fruitful,” he said.
He added that “we are all aware that this year’s independence celebration is coming at a time when our nation is going through so many challenges in virtually every sector”. He however stated that “the challenges should not make us despair or ignore the giant strides that have been made over the years”.
“On this day, therefore, we have to restate our resolve to building a nation where the ideals of our founding fathers will not only prevail but the major things that enhance our unity and cohesion are emphasised. Nigeria remains a country full of potentials and blessed with so many human and material resources that make it an envy of the world. Let us, therefore, ask ourselves what has stagnated our progress and made us operate below our capacity,” he added
Governor Lalong stated that the time has come for everyone to arise and do everything possible to remove the impediments that remain major stumbling blocks to national growth.
“Everyone, particularly the leadership has a role to play and share in the responsibility for setbacks of the past. This is the time to move ahead and take our destiny into our hands.”
Speaking on the development in the State, Governor Lalong said his administration has continued to rebuild the major fabrics for development which are peace and security.
“We have made a lot of progress to institutionalize peaceful coexistence through the Peace Building Agency and the Inter-Religious Council. This we believe is key to every development. That is why the recent resurgence of violence in some parts of our State was very disheartening as it attempted to thwart the successes recorded in the last six years. However, with the cooperation of well-meaning citizens, security agencies and the Federal Government, normalcy was restored within a short period of time.”
He said efforts are therefore aimed at consolidating this stability by strengthening security architecture and ensuring that justice prevails for all those who were attacked.
Prerogative of Mercy was granted to four prisoners “In exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor in Section 212 of the Constitution of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), after due consultation with The State I have granted absolute pardon to four (4) Prisoners serving jail terms having been convicted for various offences. “ he said.
The high point of the event was a march past by the paramilitary, Primary and Secondary school Students amongst others.
Nnenna.O
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