By; Ndifreke P. Akpan
Nigerians
have been charged to use their religious, tribal and cultural differences as
galvanizing ingredients to forge a stronger bond of friendship and unity as
they celebrate the country at 57.
The
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel made the call at the Uyo Township
Stadium on October 1, 2017 while addressing the state on the 57th independence
anniversary of Nigeria.
The
Governor noted that other developed climes have cultural identities that are
clearly different but they do not exploit such differences to cause social
tension in the land.
Speaking
further, the Governor said, "let us celebrate our beauty in diversity and
use this as a unifying force as opposed to using same as a tool to exclude
others from National aspirations".
The
Governor also enjoined Nigerians to use the anniversary to renew their faith in
the immutable belief that the nation is a blessed land where every inhabitant
must contribute his or her best to take the nation to where it is destined to
be.
The
Governor expressed optimism that despite the economic downturn experienced
lately, the recession will soon be over.
He
said it was time for leaders to deploy the huge natural blessings of the
country to create an economically viable society where the youths will have
jobs and hopes of growth and development.
The
Governor urged the people to look at other creative ways of growing the economy
using the tools of the 21st century and engender in themselves a new moral and
psychological attitude based on the belief that God endows everyone with
special and unique gifts for individual and societal development.
Governor
Emmanuel stated that Nigerians have come too far to entertain options other
than strengthening their bonds of unity and equality stressing that the nation
will remain one indivisible country where equity, justice and fairness shall
prevail.
Talking
straight to the indigenes, Governor Emanuel who emphasized that the faith of
Akwa Ibom in the National project remains sacrosanct used the opportunity to
thank them for the show of love and unity displayed during the festivities that
marked the 30th anniversary of the state.
In
his words, "I want to pledge here that as long as I remain your servant
leader, I will do all I can to move this state forward by pursuing and
implementing policies and programmes that will put food on the table, ensure
quality and affordable education for our kids, a healthy and vibrant populace
and a youth population that ends a living through the works of their hands as
opposed to begging for a living".
He
said the industrialization drive of his administration was on course and
expressed his gratitude to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for
honouring the state with his esteemed presence during the 30th anniversary
where he inaugurated life touching projects, The Syringe Manufacturing Company,
The Metering Solutions Company and the reconstructed Etinan General Hospital.
He
applauded efforts of the Armed Forces in fighting insurgency and other security
challenges in the country and gave an assurance that the country and Akwa Ibom
were moving to the land of economic prosperity, political inclusion, wealth
creation and expansion as well as consolidation of infrastructural amenities.
The
Governor, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State,
congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians on the occasion of the
57th independence anniversary and prayed God's blessings upon the state and the
country.
Also
speaking, the speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barrister Onofiok Luke
and the State Chief Judge, Justice Godwin Abraham presented Goodwill messages
and suggested steps to be taken to ensure a strong and United Nigeria.
Preaching
at the event, the Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom Governor on Religious matters,
Reverend Daniel Akwatang read from the Gospel of Saint John Chapter 14 verse 21
charged the people to open their hearts and embrace Jesus Christ and his peace.
Reverend
Akwatang who stated that wars bring untimely death and devastation pointed out
that peace remains indispensable where development is required.
Highlights
of the celebration were March past, cultural displays, inspection of parade and
scholarship award to a brilliant but indigent public school student by the
Governor.
The
wife of the state Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, The
Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Mr Moses Ekpo, House of Assembly members,
Commissioners, top security chiefs in Akwa Ibom State, past and present
political office holders and other stakeholders also attended the event.
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