By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, fairness, and equity as pillars for building a greater 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. Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the country since independence, noting that Nigeria’s survival despite numerous challenges was evidence of divine grace. “Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the Nigeria of our dreams. Independence was born out of a vision of hope for this country, and we must continue to build on the sacrifices of our founding fathers,” he said.
The governor emphasized that Nigeria had overcome trials that could have led to disintegration, attributing its resilience to God’s mercy and the determination of its people. He commended the Church for its role in promoting peace through prayers and preaching, urging clerics to continue interceding for leaders and encouraging citizens to support government 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,” Oborevwori added.
He highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure and social investments over the past two years and assured Deltans of more developmental projects and empowerment initiatives in the coming year. He also challenged Nigerian youths to champion unity and righteousness, stressing that the nation’s future rests on their commitment to positive contributions. “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 said.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, urged Nigerians to embrace the “good fight of faith” by upholding righteousness, godliness, love, endurance, and gentleness. He further appealed to the wealthy to remember the poor, noting that “what we share with our brothers and sisters is what will count for us when we appear before God on the day of judgment.” The thanksgiving service was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries, including Mrs. Catherine Onyeme, wife of the Deputy Governor; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Benedict Etanabene; Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai; and APC chieftain, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, among others.
