Independence: Sanwo-Olu urges Nigerians to renew faith, hope - Punch Newspapers

File photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Photo: LASG

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to respond to the country’s challenges with renewed faith, responsible citizenship and collective action. Sanwo-Olu said on Sunday that the nation’s capacity to survive periods of adversity remained a reason to hope for a better future. He spoke at the inter-denominational service held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. The governor, who was represented at the service by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey since independence had been marked by periods of progress as well as difficult national challenges, but said the country’s resilience through such periods should strengthen citizens’ confidence in its future. Sanwo-Olu said Nigeria remained endowed with the human and natural resources required to achieve meaningful transformation, pointing to its youthful population, skilled manpower, natural wealth, creativity and entrepreneurial energy as assets that could be harnessed for national development. He said the responsibility for building the country could not rest solely on government, urging Nigerians to contribute through their individual conduct and commitment to the common good. According to him, honest work, responsible citizenship, excellence and compassion were necessary ingredients for building the kind of country Nigerians desired. The governor also urged religious institutions to complement prayers for the nation with practical efforts that would promote responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence and development.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google He said, “The theme of this year’s anniversary service, ‘A Nation of Hope, Healing and Revival,’ aptly captures our aspirations as a people at this time. “Nigeria has experienced periods of progress and difficult challenges since independence, but our ability to endure through adversity remains a reason for optimism about our future.” Sanwo-Olu said the development trajectory of Lagos offered an example of what could be achieved when government, citizens and other stakeholders combined determination with innovation and a shared sense of purpose. He cited investments by his administration in transportation, education, healthcare, security, enterprise development and environmental sustainability as part of efforts to improve the quality of life in Lagos. Food, beverage firms lead Nigeria’s real investments with N375bn Lagos students adopt Hamzat, others for 2027 polls 2027: IG promises peaceful, orderly elections The governor said his administration would sustain investments in the state and its people, stressing that the ambition of building a greater Lagos could not be separated from the broader aspiration for a stronger Nigeria. He said, “We must continue to believe in Nigeria and in our collective capacity to build the nation we desire. Our diversity should be a source of strength and not division. “We envision a Nigeria where every child has the opportunity to fulfil his or her potential, where hard work is rewarded, where communities are secure and where our diversity becomes a foundation for unity and progress.” Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to look beyond the difficulties confronting the country and participate actively in shaping its future. He said citizens should demonstrate patriotism not merely through celebrations of national milestones but through everyday actions that strengthen social cohesion, respect the rights of others and contribute to national development. The governor also offered prayers for the country’s leaders, communities and security personnel, asking God to grant the nation’s leadership wisdom, courage and compassion to steer the country through its challenges. He prayed for peace, justice and prosperity across the country and called for greater opportunities for young Nigerians. Sanwo-Olu said the future of Nigeria should be defined by increased opportunities for citizens, particularly children and young people, and by a national environment in which citizens could deploy their abilities without being constrained by avoidable barriers. He expressed confidence that Nigeria still had better chapters ahead, urging citizens to approach the country’s future with faith, hope and courage. He said, “Our best chapters are yet to be written. Let us move forward with faith, with hope and with courage, knowing that the Nigeria we desire is possible if we collectively dedicate ourselves to building and enjoying it.” The governor prayed for the country’s renewal, saying, “May Nigeria rise in a renewed hope, be renewed in healing, and experience a great revival.” He thereafter wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and called for continued faith in the future of the country. Ayoola Babalola

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