INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: Oborevwori Calls for Unity, Compassion, National Cohesion
By Gilbert Olie
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to uphold unity, dialogue and compassion, stressing that the country’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
Oborevwori made the call on Thursday in Asaba during the ceremonial match-past organised by the Nigeria Police Force and other security and paramilitary organisations to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor, who congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, said Nigeria had experienced several challenges since independence, including the Civil War, economic difficulties, political transitions and periods of uncertainty.
He, however, noted that the country had continued to rebuild, adapt and move forward despite the challenges.
“Sixty-six years ago, the Green-White-Green flag was hoisted, marking the beginning of our journey as an independent nation. Today, we remember our founding fathers and all those who sacrificed and contributed to the building of a united Nigeria and to moving our nation forward,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength, while unity must remain the foundation for a prosperous future.
He acknowledged the challenges confronting the nation but said Nigerians also possessed the capacity to overcome them, urging citizens to place national interest above primordial considerations.
The Governor called for a Nigeria where citizens could live with dignity, justice and fairness, while young people would have opportunities to build meaningful lives.
He said Delta State would continue to contribute to national development through the implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda, with emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, artisan support and peace-building.
“Here in Delta State, we remain committed to playing our part in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Through our MORE Agenda, we are investing in infrastructure, healthcare and education; supporting our youths, women, farmers and artisans; expanding opportunities; and sustaining peace across our communities,” Oborevwori said.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that no community, ethnic group, gender or generation would be left behind.
He said the state government would continue to ensure that both riverine and upland communities had a stake in the development of Delta State.
“True progress is measured by how widely its benefits are felt,” he said.
Oborevwori further urged Nigerians to show empathy and support for individuals and families going through difficult circumstances, warning against exploiting tragedies for personal or sectional advantage.
“Behind every tragedy are real people and families who are enduring pain. Their pain deserves our respect and compassion. Let us, therefore, reject division, embrace dialogue and continue to respect one another,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 133:1, the Governor said: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” stressing that despite their differences, Nigerians shared a common destiny.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary, and prayed for continued peace, wisdom, courage and prosperity for the country.
The anniversary ceremony, held at the Cenotaph on High Court Road, Asaba, featured a ceremonial match-past by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and members of the National Youth Service Corps.
Also participating were members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), representatives of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and representatives of Local Government Councils across the state.
The event also featured the cutting of the 66th Independence Anniversary cake.
