Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has called on all Nigerians to renew their commitment to the country’s unity and development, advocating that if everyone contributes his best the country can attain enviable heights.
In a goodwill message he presented at the Independence Day Celebration events held at the Uyo Township Stadium, the Governor assured that despite the challenges that have characterized the country’s 57 years as an independent nation, “our hopes of getting to the promise land remains alive. We are incredibly optimistic people.”
He said Nigeria was renowned as a land blessed with “vibrant, creative, talented and daring people and the hopes of a full harvest of these gifts was that it won’t take long for our nation to join others and become a major player in global affairs with attendant prosperity and justice for all.”
The Governor appealed to all, to “celebrate our beauty in diversity and use this as a unifying force as opposed to using same as a tool to exclude others from national aspirations.”
Mr Emmanuel was of the opinion that the differences in religious, tribal and cultural affiliations could be galvanized as ingredients to forge a stronger bond of friendship and unity.
Despite the recent economic downturn in the country, the Governor was optimistic of a new economic growth, adding that, it was “time for our leaders to deploy our huge natural blessings to create an economically viable society where the youths would have jobs and hopes of growth and development.”
The Governor who disassociated himself from alleged campaigns of segregation in some quarters, affirmed that “Nigeria will remain one indivisible country, where equity, justice and fairness shall prevail,” adding that, “we have come too far to entertain options other than strengthening our bonds of unity and equality.”
The Governor pledged his resolve to continue pursuing and implementing policies and programmes that will put food on the table, ensure quality and affordable education for his people, a healthy and vibrant populace and a youth population that earns a living through the works of their hands as opposed to begging for a living.
Governor Emmanuel who appreciated the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for visiting the state during its anniversary to commission the Syringe Manufacturing Company, the Metering Solutions Company as well as our newly reconstructed Etinan General Hospital, re-assured on his industrialization of the state.
He used the occasion to commend President Muhammadu Buhari, all past leaders and the Armed forces for their efforts in maintaining the growth and unity of the country.
In their separate goodwill messages at the event, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Barr. Onofiok Luke sued for devolution of powers at the center to allow more control of resources and powers by the states and advocated fairness and equity in the distribution of the wealth and powers across the six geo-political zones of the country; while the Chief Judge of the state Justice Godwin Abraham called for peace in the country.
The event was preceded by a special parade ceremony by a detachment of the Nigerian Police and also featured special thanksgiving worship service led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters Rev Daniel Akwatang.
There was march past by school children, uniform and voluntary organisations, as well as well as cultural displays.