Nigeria at 57: We are better together than divided – Ambode, Obasa
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has emphasised the need for Nigeria to remain united, saying there was more to gain in being together as one nation than dissolving into different independent entities.
In the same vein, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, stressed that despite some challenges facing Nigeria, its people must be united to sustain its growth and development.
They made the declarations yesterday in their separate statements to the people of the state and Nigerians generally on the 57th Independence Day celebration of Nigeria.
A statement signed by Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Haruna, quoted the governor as saying at a special thanksgiving service at the Lagos House Chapel in Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate the anniversary that it was important for Nigerians to realise that the country’s diversity was a strength in itself.
The governor said, “That we still have a country we can call Nigeria today is a proof of the divine hands of God in our being together as one. We must, therefore, reflect on our journey so far and come to the inevitable realisation that we have much more to gain as one nation than as different independent entities.”
The governor, who recalled the terrible natural disasters that had happened in different parts of the world in recent times, said the fact that Nigeria had been preserved from such adversities confirmed that it was favoured by God and Nigerians should thank Him for what He has done for the country.
While noting the prosperity and growth that Lagos had witnessed, he said it was a thing of concern that most of the other states of the federation were struggling to survive, saying it was in the interest of the country for all the states to be viable.
“I just want to appeal that the people should be patient with the country Nigeria. The same thing that is happening in Lagos will happen across the length and breadth of Nigeria and that is what we are working towards. When my neighbors are good, I am better off; when other parts of the country are prosperous, I am better off.”
In his message, Obasa assured Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration at both the national and state levels was committed to the welfare and improvement in the standard of living of the people of the country.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, Obasa said, “There is need for us not to relent in striving for the unity of this country. We’ve to share love among ourselves and be our brothers’ keepers at all times. This is what’s called patriotism and what we need to sustain the continued growth and development of our dear country.”
He appealed to Nigerians to “remain vigilant and avoid taking laws into their hands,” and to support government at all levels in the efforts to bring about improvement in the people’s standard of living.
The speaker also assured that the government at all levels was committed to putting in place measures and programmes that would enhance development and growth of the country.