On Sunday, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged Nigerians to renew their faith and hope in the country, despite the challenges it faces. Speaking at an inter-denominational service held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for collective action and responsible citizenship. He was represented at the service by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin. The event was part of activities to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that Nigeria's journey since independence had been marked by periods of progress and difficult national challenges. However, he expressed optimism about the country's future, citing its resilience through adversity. The governor emphasized that Nigeria remained endowed with the human and natural resources required to achieve meaningful transformation. He pointed to the country's youthful population, skilled manpower, natural wealth, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy as assets that could be harnessed for national development.
The governor stressed that the responsibility for building the country could not rest solely on government. He urged Nigerians to contribute through their individual conduct and commitment to the common good. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that honest work, responsible citizenship, excellence, and compassion were necessary ingredients for building the kind of country Nigerians desired. He also called on religious institutions to complement prayers for the nation with practical efforts that would promote responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, and development.
Sanwo-Olu cited the development trajectory of Lagos as an example of what could be achieved when government, citizens, and other stakeholders combined determination with innovation and a shared sense of purpose. He highlighted investments by his administration in transportation, education, healthcare, security, enterprise development, and environmental sustainability as part of efforts to improve the quality of life in Lagos. The governor assured that his administration would sustain investments in the state and its people.
The governor envisioned a Nigeria where every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, where hard work is rewarded, and where communities are secure. He emphasized that the country's diversity should be a source of strength, not division. Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to look beyond the difficulties confronting the country and participate actively in shaping its future. He urged citizens to demonstrate patriotism not merely through celebrations of national milestones but through everyday actions that strengthen social cohesion and contribute to national development.
Sanwo-Olu offered prayers for the country's leaders, communities, and security personnel, asking God to grant the nation's leadership wisdom, courage, and compassion to steer the country through its challenges. He prayed for peace, justice, and prosperity across the country and called for greater opportunities for young Nigerians. The governor expressed confidence that Nigeria still had better chapters ahead, urging citizens to approach the country's future with faith, hope, and courage.
The governor concluded by praying for the country's renewal, saying, "May Nigeria rise in a renewed hope, be renewed in healing, and experience a great revival." He wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and called for continued faith in the future of the country. With a renewed sense of hope and collective action, Nigerians can work together to build a brighter future.
Key points
- Sanwo-Olu urges Nigerians to respond to challenges with renewed faith, responsible citizenship, and collective action.
- The governor emphasizes the need for Nigerians to contribute to national development through individual conduct and commitment to the common good.
- Sanwo-Olu expresses confidence that Nigeria still has better chapters ahead, urging citizens to approach the country's future with faith, hope, and courage.
