Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to make necessary sacrifices, demonstrate patriotism, and uphold accountability in the collective effort to build a nation that reflects the aspirations of its citizens. He made the call on Sunday at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, Delta State. The Governor charged present and future generations to sustain the virtues of sacrifice, courage, patriotism, and resilience upon which the nation's independence was achieved.
Oborevwori paid tribute to Nigeria's founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country's independence. He urged citizens to demonstrate their love for the nation by continuously praying for its peace, stability, and prosperity. The Governor stressed the importance of the Church in the nation's development, saying continued prayers and intercession remained critical to sustaining peace and moving Nigeria forward. According to him, prayer for the nation was not merely a religious obligation but a critical investment in the country's future.
Oborevwori reminded politicians, civil servants, and other public officials that political appointments and positions of authority were held in trust for the Nigerian people and should be exercised with responsibility, integrity, and commitment to the common good. He said public service must not be reduced to personal or family interests, stressing that every position of authority imposed a duty of service and accountability on the holder. The Governor urged public officials to make service to the people their number one priority.
The Governor further reminded public officials that they would ultimately give an account of their stewardship before God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with wisdom, integrity, and a firm commitment to the welfare of the people. Nigeria's 66 years of independence provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country's journey, appreciate its achievements, and confront the challenges that remained before the nation. Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for the progress recorded since independence, particularly the country's democratic experience.
Oborevwori noted that Nigeria's uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 represented an important achievement worthy of celebration, notwithstanding the challenges encountered along the way. He said that on May 29 this year, Nigeria celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, which was something to celebrate and thank God for. The Governor emphasised the importance of wisdom in governance and leadership, urging those entrusted with public responsibilities to deploy their positions in ways that would strengthen the country and improve the lives of citizens.
The Governor said the Church had a major role to play in sustaining peace and stability, particularly through persistent prayers for the nation and its leaders. Making reference to Jeremiah 29:7, which urges believers to "seek the peace of the city" and pray for it, Oborevwori said the peace enjoyed by individuals and communities was inseparable from the peace and security of the wider nation. He urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country, stressing that nation-building required faith, patriotism, sacrifice, and collective responsibility.
Earlier, the Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, called on Nigerians to remain committed to the country. Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening capable of unlocking the country's enormous potential and restoring its place among nations. He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution to society, love for the country, and positive impact on local communities as critical obligations of citizens.
Key points
- Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to make sacrifices, demonstrate patriotism, and uphold accountability to build a nation that reflects citizens' aspirations.
- Oborevwori stressed the importance of the Church in the nation's development, saying continued prayers and intercession remained critical to sustaining peace and moving Nigeria forward.
- The Governor reminded public officials that they would ultimately give an account of their stewardship before God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with wisdom, integrity, and a firm commitment to the welfare of the people.
