Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has tasked Nigerians to rise to the responsibilities of true citizenship and restore the glory of its founding fathers.
Governor Otti stated this at Government House Umuahia in a ceremony to mark the 64th Independence Day anniversary of Nigeria.
He said that the great thing about the Independence Day celebration is the unique opportunity it provides for citizens to ask necessary questions about their roles in the development of the country.
“Ultimately, our most promising path to national reawakening is to begin to think less of ourselves as individuals and tribesmen but rise collectively to the responsibilities of true citizenship.
“We have been called to reclaim ownership of our country, make sacrifices and hold ourselves to higher standard of values and principles. Nigeria, as I have continuously maintained, can still rise to the glory of its founding, but we must do our part as patriots and citizens.” Otti stated.
The Governor, who said that it is fashionable to blame those in authority for the woes of the nation noted that there is need for all citizens to probe deeper to find instances of their own complicity in the challenges that have plagued Nigeria in the last 64 years.
“When we condone corruption and malfeasance in our various establishments, or place primordial sentiments of tribe and religion above objectivity in our response to national issues, we simply water the ground for unending cycles of failure.”
He encouraged Nigerians not to give up on the dreams that motivated the struggle for independence.
“We may have failed several times in the past but what will matter most when our story will be told in time to come will not be how or where we stumbled, but how we were able to gather ourselves to try again, and again.
“We must never give up on the dream that motivated the struggle for Independence because it is a solemn duty to which we must now rededicate our lives.” Gov. Otti stressed.
While congratulating Nigerians on this year’s Independence Day, Governor Otti saluted Abians on their continuous faith in the Nigerian project and noted that such a day offers a great opportunity to revel in national pride. He also maintained that it is a moment to reflect on the journey of the nation as one people united in a shared destiny.
The event which featured parade and inspection of guard of honor by the Governor, Dr Alex Otti was graced by the deputy Governor Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, members of the state executive council,Commissioner of Mr Danladi Isa, Commander 14 Brigade Ohafia Brigadier General Olusola Diya, Commandant Nigeria College of Accounts and finance Owerrinta, Captain Osuolale Eyitayo and host of other Service Chiefs among others.
