Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to uphold unity, dialogue and compassion, saying the nation’s diversity remains a strength and its unity the foundation for a prosperous future.
Oborevwori made the call on Thursday in Asaba during the ceremonial match-past by the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary organisations to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor, who congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, said the country had endured several challenges since independence, including the Civil War, economic difficulties, political transitions and periods of uncertainty.
He, however, noted that despite the challenges, “the Nigerian spirit has endured,” stressing that the country had continued to rebuild, adapt and move forward.
“Sixty-six years ago, the Green-White-Green flag was raised, marking the beginning of our journey as an independent nation. Today, we remember our founding fathers and all those who sacrificed and contributed to the building of a united Nigeria and to moving our nation forward,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be regarded as a strength, while unity should remain the foundation for its future.
He said the challenges confronting the country were real, but so was its capacity to overcome them, urging citizens to place national interest above narrow considerations.
Oborevwori said doing so would help build a Nigeria where citizens could live with dignity, justice and fairness, while young people would have opportunities to build meaningful lives.
The governor said Delta State would continue to contribute to national development through the implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda, with emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, artisan support and peace-building.
“Here in Delta State, we remain committed to playing our part in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Through our MORE Agenda, we are investing in infrastructure, healthcare and education; supporting our youths, women, farmers and artisans; expanding opportunities; and sustaining peace across our communities,” he said.
Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that no community, ethnic group, gender or generation would be left behind.
He said the state government remained committed to ensuring that both riverine and upland communities had a stake in the development of the state.
“True progress is measured by how widely its benefits are felt,” he said.
The governor also urged Nigerians to demonstrate empathy and support for people and families facing difficult circumstances, stressing that tragedies should not be exploited for personal or sectional advantage.
“Behind every tragedy are real people and families who are enduring pain. Their pain deserves our respect and compassion. Let us, therefore, reject division, embrace dialogue and continue to respect one another,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 133:1, Oborevwori said: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” adding that despite the country’s differences, Nigerians shared a common destiny.
Oborevwori congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary, while praying for continued peace, wisdom, courage and prosperity for the country.
The anniversary ceremony, held at the Cenotaph on High Court Road, Asaba, featured a ceremonial match-past by the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Youth Service Corps, Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and representatives of local government councils across the state.
The event also featured the cutting of the 66th Independence Anniversary cake.