Cross River State governor Bassey Otu has called for collective resolve of Nigerians to make more sacrifices to make the country great.
The governor made the plea during the country’s 63rd Independence anniversary at the U. J. Esuene Stadium Calabar, the state capital.
“Our collective resolve and sacrifice we make as a people will make the country greater than what it was prior to 1st October, 1960.
“It is the only driving force towards a better Nigeria. For it is our sense of unity that will guarantee the indivisibility of our country, sense of ingenuity will give us technological breakthrough while our sense of patriotism will be an enabler of peace and security of our nation.
“For every good action, it is first conceived in the mind as a thought before it is processed and translated into what we do physically. So, with patriotic mind set, the outcomes of our thought will make Nigeria greater,” Otu stated.
The state chief executive admitted the fact that citizens of the state presently face harsh economic situation like their compatriots in other states of the federation but added that this unfriendly economic climate is not only limited to Nigeria alone but is worldwide.
He stressed that what is required of all is solidarity, patience, resilience and love to collectively get the economy out of the woods.
While expressing optimism, Otu said, “With our individual ideas put together, we will ultimately bring success to our present suffering.
“Let us take a step of faith by believing that this is achievable, and follow up with concrete actions.”
The governor urged Nigerians to bridge the fault lines of ethnicity, crime and criminality, hate and rancour, adding that our sacrifice of today will eventually take us to the Nigeria we dream to have tomorrow.
In his earlier remarks, commissioner for information, Erasmus Ekpang stated that the event provides a very unique platform to reminisce on the many struggles of our founding fathers to achieve independence.
“On a day like this, we must continue to pay glowing tributes to all our fallen heroes of this hard-earned independence and also salute the courage, determination and commitment of our leaders that sustained our continued unity as one indivisible nation till date,” Ekpang said.
