Nigeria @ 66: Nation building collective responsibility, says Soludo

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has called for sacrifice, resilience, and active participation of the citizens in governance as solutions to building the nation, Nigeria.

Soludo spoke, on Sunday, during an interdenominational thanksgiving service commemorating the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, Anambra State.

Reflecting on the significance of the 66th anniversary of Nigeria and the state of the nation, Soludo emphasised that the journey of Nigeria requires the collective responsibility, resilience, and active participation of every citizen.

“Yes, we have challenges. The agricultural boom of old has waned, but Nigeria has not failed. Our duty is to bless this country, to speak well of her, and to brighten the corner where we are. For personal integrity is national integrity” Soludo said.

Condoling the family of Success Ezenwafor, who, unfortunately, lost his life during a recent flooding in Anambra State, the governor further called for urgent collective action toward protecting the environment against flood and erosion, noting that true nation-building demands unity of purpose, dedication to duty, and faith in the future, urging the people of Anambra State and Nigerians at large to remain steadfast in contributing positively to their communities.

He assured that his administration remains deeply committed to advancing development, peace, and good governance across the state.

Delivering the sermon themed, “From Bondage to Freedom, God’s Purpose for Nigeria,” the Archbishop of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, emphasised that true independence goes far beyond the mere raising of flags, and noted that freedom is fundamentally about allowing a people to determine their own path and destiny.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66-year journey through various political transitions, the cleric observed that while governments change and leaders come and go, the nation endures, stressing that individuals in leadership must be accountable for governance and strive to do their absolute best during their time in office.

Addressing the nation’s economic and social trajectory, Archbishop Ibezim lamented that the robust agricultural boom enjoyed prior to independence has significantly waned.

However, the Prelate maintained a message of strong optimism, asserting that Nigeria has not failed as a nation, and urged citizens to speak well of the country, bless it, and strive to “brighten the corner where they are,” reminding the congregation that personal integrity dictates national integrity.

The service drew a high-powered state delegation led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his wife,  Nonye; Deputy Governor, Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly,  Somtochukwu Udeze; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake; Head of Service, Ngozi Iwouno, alongside mayors, members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, security commanders, among others.