By Abbanobi – Eku Onyekachi
Abuja
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to be patient and hopeful, stressing that Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of them.
In a press statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jackson Udom, the Senate President made the remarks at the Inter-Denominational Church Service held on Sunday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja to mark the 64th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.
He said: “As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the challenges we face. Yes, the road ahead may be bumpy. Yes, there will be setbacks. But together, united in our faith and love for Nigeria, we will prevail. Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning and I urge each of you to be patient, to hold on to hope and to believe that change is not only possible but inevitable. Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of.”
Akpabio acknowledged the indomitable spirit of Nigerians to withstand and overcome myriad of challenges from the earliest struggles for independence up to date and added thus: Undoubtedly, the Nigerian nation is defined by resilience. From our earliest struggles for independence to the challenges of modern governance, we have continually shown our indomitable spirit. When faced with adversity, we rise. When confronted by challenges, we unite. Today, I thank God for the Nigerian spirit that has led us through turbulent times, across our Red Seas and Jordan Rivers, over our hills and mountains and through every valley we have encountered.”
Commending the leadership qualities of Mr President for steering the ship of the nation towards the path of prosperity, stating that his leadership gave the nation hope, he stated that: “Nigeria can and will be better. Tinubu’s courage and dedication to Nigeria’s advancement is indeed inspirational.”
Recalling some pro-development laws passed by the 10th National Assembly which were aimed at bringing renewed hope to the citizenry and foster growth in key sectors, he said: “As we commemorate Nigerias’ independence today, let us celebrate the achievements that have brought us this far. Every milestone we have crossed is a testament to our collective will, strength and determination as Nigerians. Our nation is in the process of a Renewed Hope Project that is tailored to rejuvenate our economy, empower our people and lift up the most vulnerable among us.”
Earlier, the Archbishop of Abuja, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale preached a sermon of hope for the country when he spoke prophetically of having a dream that Nigeria would be great again and become one among the giants of nations of the world.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume said the government was making a huge progress, even as he made specific reference to the efforts made by the government including the Students Loans scheme, gains recorded in the battle against insecurity and the CNG initiatives.
Highpoint of the anniversary service was the cutting of the 64th Independence Anniversary cake and special prayers for Nigeria, while present at the service were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Court of Appeal President Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, serving Senators, Ministers, Service Chiefs and members of the Clergy among other dignitaries.
