The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has urged Nigerians to rise for what is right and speak with one voice against the ills of the society, which undermines the prosperity and greatness of the nation.
Ambode spoke in Lagos at an interdenominational church service to commemorate the 57th National Independence anniversary.
He also stressed the need for Nigerians as a people to seek God’s mercy and grace in order to overcome the challenges confronting the nation so that the country can achieve the greatness that it has been destined for.
The Governor, who was represented by the State Head of Service, Olabowale Ademola, noted that though the country is passing through difficult times and challenges that are threatening its corporate existence as a nation united with shared destiny, the people must reaffirm their faith in the nation and believe that the best is around the corner.
Ambode said: “As we gather in thanksgiving to God for the good things He has made possible for us to achieve, we also seek His Mercy and grace to overcome our challenges so that we shall achieve the greatness that is destined for our nation. We have been confronted with different challenges in our 57 years as a nation. Even as we speak, we are passing through difficult times and challenges that are threatening our corporate existence as a nation united with shared destiny. This is however not the time to lose hope. It is the time to reaffirm our faith in our nation and believe that the best is around the corner.”
He stressed that Nigerians must continue to work for unity among all the ethnic nationalities as there is strength, greatness and abundant opportunities in the nation’s diversity, adding that whatever difficulties being experienced now must be seen as the sacrifice needed to be paid in order to achieve a more prosperous future.
He said: “This is at time for sober reflection; it is time to think not only about ourselves but more about the kind of nation we desire to bequeath to our children, grandchildren and generation yet unborn. Of what value would the wealth, knowledge bequeathed on our wards be, if we do not start now to value our nation and strive hard to make it great once again?”
Ambode noted that Nigerians must eschew divisive thoughts, ideas, utterances and actions, which threaten the life of the nation, but rather look inward and believe in ourselves, adding that the nation can achieve greatness if the people cultivate and embrace the right values and attitudes.
He said: “Let us look beyond self-gratification, and pursue interests that will advance collective good. It makes life worth living not in fear but in complete fulfilment. Let us start doing things the right way. We must realize that we the people of this nation are the government and we are the shaper of our destiny.”