By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has urged Nigerians to uphold peace and unity and contribute to the development of the country.
Otu made the call in Calabar through the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Christian Central Chapel, Ikot Eneobong, 8 Miles, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor said the anniversary should remind Nigerians of the sacrifices of past generations and the responsibility of the present generation to build a country that future generations would be proud of.
He acknowledged the challenges Nigeria had faced since independence in 1960, but said the resilience and enterprise of Nigerians had sustained the national spirit.
Otu said his administration remained focused on improving opportunities for young people, strengthening education and healthcare, supporting businesses, developing infrastructure and attracting investment to Cross River.
He said government alone could not drive the required development, calling for the participation of traditional institutions, the Church, private sector, civil society organisations, youths and other citizens.
The governor also urged Nigerians to see the country’s ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity as a strength, rather than a source of division.
He called on citizens to reject violence, respect the rule of law and support efforts towards peaceful communities and national development.
Otu further called for prayers for wisdom for leaders, peace in communities, protection for security personnel and support for families facing hardship.
In his sermon, titled “Using Your Past Testimonies to Unlock Your New Miracle,” President of Christian Central Chapel International Faith Mansion World Centre, Archbishop Emma Gospel Isong, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and draw strength from past experiences of God’s faithfulness.
Isong also urged citizens to engage government through constructive and solution-oriented criticism, rather than divisive rhetoric, while calling for greater unity and rejection of hatred and violence.
