Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to uphold unity, justice, fairness, and equity as the foundation for building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Expressing gratitude to God for preserving the country since 1960, Oborevwori described Nigeria’s survival through numerous challenges as evidence of divine grace and the resilience of its people.
“Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the Nigeria of our dreams. Independence was born out of a vision of hope and progress, and we must continue to build on the sacrifices of our founding fathers,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria remained a proud nation with much to be thankful for, commending the Church for its role in sustaining peace through prayers and the preaching of the gospel. He urged clerics to keep interceding for leaders, while encouraging citizens to support government efforts through unity and sacrifice.
“What we want in Delta State is peace, because development starts where peace abounds. When there is peace, we can do more for our people. Those of us in political leadership must always put the people’s interest first, not our own,” the governor added.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in infrastructure and social investment within the past two years, Oborevwori assured Deltans of more development and empowerment programmes in the coming year.
He also charged Nigerian youths to take responsibility for nation-building, stressing that the future depended on their commitment to unity, hard work, and righteousness.
“This country will not be rebuilt by foreigners. It is we, Nigerians, who will rebuild it. Let us make the necessary sacrifices for the brighter future that awaits us. Nigeria is God’s own country,” he declared.
Delivering the homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, urged Nigerians to embrace the “good fight of faith” by upholding virtues of righteousness, godliness, love, endurance, and gentleness. He appealed to the wealthy to show compassion to the poor, reminding all that only acts of charity would matter before God on the day of judgment.
The thanksgiving service was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries, including the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Catherine Onyeme; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Benedict Etanabene; the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai; and APC chieftain, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, among others.
