In preparation for the country’s 64th independence, church services were held in Abuja and many state capitals to signify the second leg of activities.
All the events were planned by the committee headed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
The activities kicked off on Friday with Jumat prayer mosques. The remaining events will be held tomorrow to round off the ceremonies.
Yesterday, in Abuja Archbishop of Abuja, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, who preceded, preached a sermon of hope for the country. He spoke prophetically of seeing a dream that Nigeria would become one of the giants of nations of the world.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Akume, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Works Dave Umahi; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Ester Walson-Jack and the President Court of Appeal Monica Dongbam-Memsen were in attendance.
Akpabio charged Nigerians to be patient and hopeful as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration steers the nation to its ‘brightest’ days.
Admitting that the country faces “challenges’’ amidst upsets, Akpabio said with a united front and love, ‘’we will overcome.’’
He acknowledged the indomitable spirit and resilience of Nigerians as qualities that would make Nigeria come out of the woods.
The Senate President spoke at the Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja to mark the 64th Independence anniversary of Nigeria.
In Lagos, Imo, Enugu, Delta, and Benue states, their governors, also expressed optimism about a better Nigeria. The governors, who spoke at interdenominal church services to mark the anniversary, challenged Nigerians to be hopeful and prayerful.
Akpabio, in his remarks, said: “As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the challenges we face.
“Yes, the road ahead may be bumpy. Yes, there will be setbacks. But together, united in our faith and love for Nigeria, we will prevail.
“Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning and I urge each of you to be patient, to hold on to hope and to believe that change is not only possible but inevitable.
“Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of.
“Undoubtedly, the Nigerian nation is defined by resilience. From our earliest struggles for independence to the challenges of modern governance, we have continually shown our indomitable spirit.
“When faced with adversity, we rise. When confronted by challenges, we unite. Today, I thank God for the Nigerian spirit that has led us through turbulent times, across our Red Seas and Jordan Rivers, over our hills and mountains, and through every valley we have encountered,” Akpabio said.
