Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has urged Nigerians to move beyond the celebration of Independence Day and focus on building a nation where citizens can live with dignity, achieve economic self reliance and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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By Victoria Omini- CALABAR
Otu made the call in his Independence Day goodwill message to Cross Riverians at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, where he was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
The governor said the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence should serve as a period of reflection on the country’s journey, as well as an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values that inspired the nation’s founding nationalists.
According to him, independence should not be understood simply as freedom from colonial rule, but as the ability of Nigerians to determine their future, meet their needs, safeguard their dignity and build institutions capable of advancing the aspirations of the people.
He said the sacrifices made by the country’s nationalist leaders placed a responsibility on current and future generations to protect and advance the ideals upon which the nation was founded.
Otu referenced the provisions of Chapter II, Section 23 of the 1999 Constitution, particularly the values of patriotism, integrity, self reliance and religious tolerance, describing them as essential ingredients for national stability, unity and prosperity.
The governor said October 1 should provide Nigerians with more than an opportunity for ceremonial celebrations, noting that the occasion should prompt serious reflection on the responsibilities of citizenship and the kind of country citizens intend to leave for future generations.
He maintained that Nigeria’s achievements in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and maritime development showed that the process of nation building was ongoing and required patience, sacrifice, unity and a collective determination to convert the country’s vast potential into tangible benefits for its citizens.
Otu said Cross River State was also making steady progress in its economic, social and political development while pursuing policies aimed at giving practical expression to the principles of independence.
He highlighted the state’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, citing the presence of the Calabar Central Mosque and the Apostolic Church along Mary Slessor Street in Bogobiri as an example of how people of different faiths can live together in mutual respect and understanding.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equity, human rights and the rule of law, stressing that every citizen must be protected from oppression, intimidation and injustice regardless of social or economic status.
He said his administration had continued to provide opportunities for well meaning Cross Riverians to participate in public service irrespective of political affiliation, describing inclusiveness and broad participation as important components of responsible governance.
On economic empowerment, Otu said the state government was strengthening the capacity of young people through apprenticeship, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, while supporting local entrepreneurs with training, institutional assistance and start up support.
He identified agriculture as a major component of the state’s drive towards self reliance, saying government was supporting farmers through loans and grants, improving rural roads and promoting mechanisation to increase productivity.
The governor said the administration’s agricultural vision extended beyond achieving food sufficiency to attaining food security and developing agro based cottage industries capable of processing farm produce into semi finished and finished products within the state.
He said such measures would create jobs, strengthen local businesses and reduce dependence on external sources for essential goods.
Otu, however, stressed that government alone could not deliver the Cross River of the future, urging citizens to embrace cooperation, unity and a sense of collective responsibility.
Using an orchestra as an illustration, the governor said effective governance required both leadership and the willingness of citizens to work together towards a common objective.
He therefore called on Cross Riverians to reject ethnic prejudice, distrust and unnecessary divisions capable of weakening the collective strength of the state.
Otu said the future of Cross River belonged to every citizen and urged residents to play their part in building a peaceful, inclusive and economically prosperous state.
He called on Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding heroes by becoming responsible custodians of the country they envisioned, while wishing Nigerians and Cross Riverians a peaceful and meaningful Independence Day celebration.
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