From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
As Nigeria clocks 60 years on Thursday October 1, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to continue to work towards the unity, progress and development of the nation.
Governor Wike made the call yesterday, during an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving service held at St Paul’s Cathedral Diobu, Port Harcourt in commemoration of the 60th Independence anniversary celebrations.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Governor Wike noted that it was the responsibility of all citizens to make the country great as all persons must work and keep the hope of achieving a great nation alive.
He noted the sacrifices made by our founding fathers, and regretted that their dreams of a prosperous nation is bedeviled with the challenges of insurgency, poverty, unemployment and fragmented democracy.
The Governor was optimistic that Nigeria will be a great nation and urged all to pray for the peace and unity of the country.
“It is by his infinite mercy that we have remained as a nation. I urge us to continue to pray for the unity, progress and development of Nigeria. There is so much more God wants to do for us as a nation”, he added.
Earlier in his sermon, His Lord Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, charged all to rededicate themselves to God and to remain patriotic to national growth.
The Bishop represented by Ven Kingsley Ogbonda, advised that Government should explore other areas in agriculture, security, hospitality, education and transportation to diversify the economy.
Special prayers were made for the nation and her leaders, Rivers State, the State Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature. Prayers were also made for the Governor and his family and for the Church and her leaders.
