Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has asked Nigerians not to lose hope in the Country despite the challenges the nation has been confronted with.
The Governor stated this on Friday, October 01, 2021 during a programme to mark Nigeria’s Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said that as the Country celebrated her independence, citizens were mindful of the various challenges confronting them as a nation and as a State. He believes that although the challenges confronting Nigeria in the last 61 years are daunting, they are certainly not insurmountable.
According to him, the citizens are equally mindful of the various vistas of progress that have opened up, and which continue to give them hope that the “Nigeria of our dreams can be achieved”.
”Sixty-one years ago, the struggle of our forefathers and nationalists to free our country from the shackles of colonialism and attain the status of a sovereign and independent nation came to a happy ending with the lowering of the Union Jack and hoisting of the Green White Green Flag.
”In the years since then, so much has also happened to us as a country.
“We have fought a civil war, experienced several coups, and ultimately overcome military dictatorship and restored democratic governance.
”This year marks the 22nd year since we began to enjoy uninterrupted democracy, which is itself a huge feat, considering that all previous attempts were short-lived.
‘Even in the face of the many challenges confronting us as a people and as a nation, my message to every Nigerian at this time is that we have no reason to lose hope.
”There is enough evidence around us of the fact that while we are not yet where we would like to be as a country and a people, we are also no longer where we used to be,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged Nigerians to unite with renewed determination and commitment to move the country forward against all odds.
“As we celebrate today, we do so mindfully of the various challenges confronting us as a nation and as a State. But we are equally mindful of the various vistas of progress that have opened up, and which continue to give us hope that we can achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.
“Even in the face of the many challenges confronting us as a people and as a nation, my message to every Nigerian at this time is that we have no reason to lose hope. There is enough evidence around us of the fact that while we are not yet where we would like to be as a country and as a people, we are also no longer where we used to be,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that “…more than ever before, it is time for all of us to close ranks, and view our differences not as a stumbling block but instead as an energising force, and unite with renewed determination and commitment to move this country forward against all odds.
“The challenges we have been confronted with at any time within the last 61 years have been and are no doubt daunting, but certainly not insurmountable. A new mindset is required to overcome them; a conviction that it is possible, and that our strength truly lies in our diversity.
“I am proud to affirm that Lagos State provides a perfect example within the Nigerian Nation, of the level of greatness a people of diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds can attain if they resolve to live together in peace and harmony.”
