The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday congratulated Nigerians as the nation marks its 55th Independence Anniversary as a sovereign state.
Ambode said patriotism and selfless service are two aspects that can truly reflect the essence of the country’s Independence.
The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the period of independence must not be lost on anyone, urging Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the pride and service of the nation as exemplified by her founding fathers.
The Governor said there was the need to rekindle the flame that ignited the determination of the founding fathers to fight for and obtain independence and the pride they had in serving the country adding that there was no better time than now to reawaken the waning glory of the nation.
He said: “You would recall that Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, had on that memorable day, 55 years ago, in his Independence Anniversary speech, admonished everyone to dedicate their life and service to our country. This, for me is the springboard that can take help us return to our glorious past that the likes of Pa Anthony Enahoro, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Herbert Macaulay and a host of others helped to build in their time.”
Ambode said the 2015 elections was a period that handed the nation a lifeline to put her back on track and reclaim its waning glory as the giant of Africa, urging all Nigerians irrespective of party affiliation, religious belief or ethnic leaning to join hands with the government of the day to salvage the nation.
He also called on Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to rebuild the nation’s foundation, saying such efforts could not be left to the government alone.
He expressed optimism that the Buhari administration will succeed in its quest to reduce the rate of poverty, fight corruption, change the economic fortunes and stem the tide of insecurity in the country especially in North East Nigeria, saying it would however require all hands to be on deck.
