Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, fairness, and equity as key pillars for building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
He made this appeal on Sunday during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba, in celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Governor Oborevwori thanked God for keeping the country together since independence, noting that Nigeria’s ability to survive numerous challenges is a clear sign of divine grace. “It’s up to every one of us to play a part in building the Nigeria we all dream of,” he said. “Our independence was founded on a vision of hope and a brighter future, and we must continue to honour the sacrifices made by our founding fathers.”
He pointed out that, despite facing serious challenges that could have torn the country apart, Nigeria has remained united thanks to God’s mercy and the resilience of its people. The governor also praised the Church for its continued role in promoting peace, saying the prayers and messages of hope from Christian leaders have helped keep the nation together in difficult times.
Governor Oborevwori called on religious leaders to keep praying for those in positions of authority and encouraged citizens to support the government through unity and a spirit of sacrifice. “In Delta State, our priority is peace because development can only happen where peace exists,” he said. “When there’s peace, we’re able to do more for our people. As leaders, we must always put the needs of the people above personal interests.”
Reflecting on his administration’s progress, he highlighted key achievements in infrastructure and social investment over the past two years, and reassured Deltans that even more development and empowerment programs are on the way, with God’s guidance.
He also urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in promoting unity and doing what is right, stressing that the future of the country rests in their hands. “No one else will rebuild Nigeria for us it’s our responsibility as citizens,” he said. “We must be willing to make sacrifices for the better future we all hope for. Nigeria is truly God’s own country.”
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, encouraged Nigerians to hold firmly to the “good fight of faith,” highlighting the importance of virtues such as righteousness, godliness, love, perseverance, and humility. He also called on the wealthy to remember and care for the less fortunate, reminding everyone that “what we give and share with others is what will truly matter when we stand before God on the day of judgment.”
The thanksgiving service drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including top government officials, traditional rulers, and political leaders. Among those in attendance were Mrs. Catherine Onyeme, wife of the Deputy Governor; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; House of Representatives members Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Benedict Etanabene; Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai; and APC stalwart, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, among others.
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