Nigeria @ 59: Abiodun says only patriotism will take Nigeria out of the woods
As Nigeria celebrates the 59th independence anniversary, the Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun have said that the only remedy to take Nigeria out of the current challenges facing it is to promote peaceful co-existence, socio-economic development and respect for the rule of law.
Gov. Abiodun called on Nigerians to continue to support the various programmes of the present administration, saying that the Buhari led administration is poised to bring succour to all Nigerians.
He made the call in the address he delivered at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, during the commemoration of the nation’s 59th independence anniversary, saying his administration is determined to build a society with equal opportunities for all citizens of the state to fulfil their potentials.
“In the spirit of the celebration of the 59th independence anniversary of our great country, let me enjoin us that as we celebrate this anniversary, we should continue to promote peaceful co-existence, socio-economic development and respect for rule of law.
“Our 59 years of political independence as a nation has not been all glowing. Our dear country survived three traumatic years of the civil war from 1967-1970 and we had our civil liberties curtailed under different military juntas. We also experienced the 1993 political impasse which was close to a national crisis, but we survived it.
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“Our experiences have taught us resilience; we have weathered together a lot of storm as a nation and people, and have come out stronger. It is a testament to our resilience that we are still standing as a country.
“Since 1999, we have continued to have civilian to civilian transition with each succeeding cycle better than the preceding one. And for this reason, we have cause to celebrate and thank God for keeping us together as a united nation whose diversity remains the tower of her strength,” he said.
According to the governor, at 59, the country still has much work to do, saying that Nigerians must remain patriotic, always put the nation first and realise that they are Nigerians before any other affiliation.
“Because of this, we should have the love of this country; whatever responsibilities that we are entrusted with, we should discharge them with fervour and commitment.
“It is worrisome that our people are migrating to other countries for greener pastures. While some of our current national challenges may make it tempting to seek fortunes outside our shores, we must also realize that these countries were once in our position with different challenges. And indeed, more often than not, the greener pasture is a mirage.
“In any case, the citizens of these countries did not run away, but stayed and solved their problems together. I therefore, use this medium to encourage our people to come together as one and solve our challenges for the greater good of our nation. If we do this, our great nation will be better.
“As the leaders have responsibilities, the followers also have their own responsibilities to perform. And borrowing the word of a renowned South Korean politician and former Secretary-General of United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, “building sustainable cities and a sustainable future will need open dialogue among all branches of national, regional and local government.
“And it will need the engagement of all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, and especially the poor and marginalized.”
