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By Madu Obi
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has stressed the need for collective action to salvage Nigeria.
Speaking at the interdenominational service to mark the country's 64th Independence anniversary at St Faith Anglican Cathedral, Awka, the governor called for continued prayers for the nation and its leaders as they strive to meet the aspirations of the people.
He said: "The service is a reminder that we are first and foremost citizens of Nigeria, and we all have a role to play in building a strong and prosperous nation. Let us continue to pray for our leaders and the country at large.
The message that Nigeria will be better or not depends on us and it is based on this that I bring a message of collective responsibility.
Yearly, it appears that Nigeria's past is always glorious than our today. Borrowing from the late Sunny Okosun's song forty years ago, I say, 'Let's save Nigeria, so Nigeria won't die.'
It is good to complain, but better to do something about a bad situation. If you are living in an underdeveloped country, you must be multi-tasking - get a farm or something else.
On this 64th anniversary, we must emphasize that as government, we must all do the work of God," the governor stated.
He used the occasion to list his administration's achievements since coming to office, recalling that his government recently announced free education policy for senior secondary students in public schools, as well as the commencement of the payment of the minimum wage by October.
For too long, government had not paid attention to the poor. We are doing so to leave no one behind. We will also continue to subsidize returned mission schools.
"It costs us over 1 billion naira, monthly and it helps the church in moderating the money they charge in their own schools
We are also working to ensure that 77 communities in Anambra who don't have public schools do so. We are now working to ensure that our children must have a choice. It happened in the 70s, but we must go back to it, "the governor added.
Earlier in his sermon, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim spoke on the significance of Nigeria's Independence and the need for unity and love for one another.
Archbishop Ibezim urged Nigerians to eschew hatred, nepotism, and tribalism, adding that there is need to come together as a nation and pray for our country and Anambra State.
"Nigeria was formerly good until something happened. Presently, there is no middle class in Nigeria.
Our leaders must understand that there is a lot of suffering and slavery in the land. They should always give the message of hope and possibility of change and survival of the people.
The people you are leading are not animals. We must show the people that tomorrow must be better; both the federal and state governments.
Truth is that it is better to live in Nigeria than live outside the country. True and responsible leaders with conscience lead during difficult times, "he said.
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