Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, fairness, and equity as the foundation for building a greater and more prosperous nation.
The governor made the call on Sunday at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba.
Expressing gratitude to God for sustaining the nation since independence, Oborevwori described Nigeria’s survival despite daunting challenges as proof of divine grace.
“Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the Nigeria of our dreams. Independence was born out of a vision of hope and brightness for this country, and we must continue to build on the sacrifices of our founding fathers,” he said.
The governor maintained that Nigeria remained a proud nation with much to be thankful for, noting that the country had withstood trials that could have led to disintegration but for God’s mercy and the resilience of its people.
He commended the role of the Church in sustaining peace, stressing that without the prayers of Christians and the preaching of the gospel, the country’s situation would have been worse.
Oborevwori urged clerics to continue praying for leaders while encouraging citizens to support government through unity and sacrifice.
“What we want in Delta State is peace, because development starts where peace abounds. When there is peace, we can do more for our people. Those of us in political leadership must always put the people’s interest first, not our own,” he added.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in infrastructure and social investment within two years, the governor assured Deltans of more development and empowerment initiatives in the coming year under God’s guidance.
He also charged Nigerian youths to be champions of unity and righteousness, stressing that the future of the nation depended on their positive contributions.
“This country will not be rebuilt by foreigners. It is we, Nigerians, who will rebuild it. Let us make the necessary sacrifices for the brighter future that awaits us. Nigeria is God’s own country,” Oborevwori declared.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, urged Nigerians to embrace the “good fight of faith,” underscoring the virtues of righteousness, godliness, love, endurance, and gentleness.
He called on the wealthy to remember the poor, noting that “what we share with our brothers and sisters is what will count for us when we appear before God on the day of judgment.”
The thanksgiving service was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries, including the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Catherine Onyeme; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Benedict Etanabene; the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai; and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, among others.
