Speaking at an Independence Day parade to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence Anniversary at Government House Umuahia, Governor Otti blamed a lot of factors for Nigeria’s inability to live up to the heights expected of it since independence.

The Governor emphasized greed, narrow-mindedness, the desperation for power, unending pillaging of public resources among others are responsible for the country’s downward turn.

While stating that the country’s leaders are to blame for much of the country’s woes, Governor Otti said that the followers also share in the blame.

He said; “A lot of factors have been blamed for Nigeria’s inability to live up to the heights expected of it since independence 63 years ago”.

“My estimation however is that Nigeria has not made much progress in its journey of transformation for reasons of greed, and narrow-mindedness.

“The desperation for power, unending pillaging of public resources and the worrisome refusal to see the bigger picture boils down to greed and the ungodly urge to think only of ourselves.

“Corruption and the abuse of resources have combined to cripple several state institutions in the country are manifest products of greed which for me, represents an unhealthy desire to acquire everything for oneself without minding what happens to afterwards and to other people”, Gov Otti noted.

He however maintained that the situation is not completely irredeemable noting that the Independence Anniversary marks “a great day to begin on a new path towards national rebirth”.

“Admitted that a whole lot have fallen out of sync with our dreams and values of nationhood, I do not however think that the situation is completely irredeemable otherwise many of us will not be here today.

“At any rate, we must refuse to be misled into thinking that change can just happen by merely wishing. A desire for change must match with appropriate commitment, a clear sense of responsibility and an understanding of the quantum of sacrifice required to turn things around”, he added.

The Governor said that no nation thrives when young people are isolated and added that Nigeria has lost its best in many fields of endeavour as a result of the “Japa syndrome”, noting that if nothing is done to nip the situation in the bud, the country will continue in its downward trajectory.

Governor Otti said that Nigeria is a country with great potential but acknowledged that seeds of greatness would not autonomously translate into actual greatness without the collective effort of all stakeholders.

He charged Nigerians to individually and collectively water the seeds of nationhood as planted by the country’s forebearers with a selfless commitment to serving the state and country at large.

Governor Otti said his administration is building a new Abia state that the people would be proud of and added that he would continue to do what needs to be done to lead the state to a new and more desirable destination.

The event which featured the inspection of a parade mounted by a detachment of the Abia state command of the Nigerian Police by Governor Alex Otti was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, member representing Isialangwa North and South in the House of Representatives, Hon Ginger Onwusibe.

Others include the Deputy Speaker of the Abia state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Austin Nmeregini, SSG, Prof Kenneth Kalu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, service chiefs and members of the state executive council.

The post Nigeria @ 63: Otti Blames Corruption, Greed For Nigeria’s Downward Turn first appeared on National Ambassador News.

As part of its activities to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary Celebration, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and other Christian leaders have led citizens to observe fasting and prayer session in order to seek the face of God in ending the present challenges confronting the country.

The Fasting and Prayer Session held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium with the Theme:”Oh Lord Heal Our Land” featured Intercessory Prayers against Insecurity,Terrorism,Banditry, Social Vices and the unity of the nation as well as the Rededication of the State to God.

Speaking at the event, Governor Ikpeazu expressed worry about the loss in value for human lives occasioned by killings and other social vices in addition to the current challenges facing the country and noted that these calls for serious prayers.

The Governor while noting that there is cause to worry with the spate of happenings in the Country said the prayer summit was organized to thank God for how He has led the state thus far.

He disclosed that although Abia is peaceful, happenings in other states calls for Christians be spiritually vigilant and harped against spiritual complacency.

“We have gathered for two reasons, the first is a way of declaring publicly that i am tired and unable if not for God, we would have lost all hope. Any body who does not know what is happening in Nigeria today is either dead or spiritually blind.

“There is cause to worry because if you begin to feel that your yesterday was better than your today and that your today is perhaps going to be better than your tomorrow, that is a hopeless situation and that is where i think we have found ourselves”.

In his sermon, President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Bassey Udoh, regretted the rising increase of killings going on across the country urging evil doers to turn away from their evil ways as they will give account of their actions before God.

Pastor Udoh revealed that God’s purpose of creating Human being is not to destroy his fellow innocent citizen but to contribute positively to their environment, “Where ever you are speak peace, preach peace to your children, show love to others because that is the purpose of God’s creation”.

He admonished Christians not to define their lives with happenings around the world nor give in to fear but focus on God who can subdue all challenges.

State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Senior Apostle Emmanuel Agomuoh, commended Governor Ikpeazu for his decision to celebrate the Country’s Independence with a Prayer summit and encouraged him to sustain the prayer summit a regular one.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem said that the leadership, unity of the country, security are all under trial in Nigeria, hence the need to gather to call on God to restore peace and heal the land.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Elder Vincent Okwuonu disclosed that the theme for the prayers “OH LORD HEAL OUR LAND” and was taken from 2 Chronicals 7:14 and expressed optimism that as the people pray and call on God, He would hear them.

The Prayer Summit also featured prayers for the state and it’s leadership.

The post Ikpeazu,CAN, Lead Abians In Prayer As Nigeria Marks 61st Anniversary first appeared on National Ambassador News.