Lorine Emenike
As Nigeria marks her Diamond Jubilee Independence Anniversary, Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike has urged Nigerians to continue to work towards the unity, progress and development of the nation.
The Governor made the call during the Inter-denominational Church/Thanksgiving Service held in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee Independence Celebrations at the St Paul’s Cathedral Diobu, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Governor Wike who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, noted that it was the responsibility of all citizens to make the country great as all persons must work and keep the hope of achieving a great nation alive.
He eulogized the sacrifices made by the founding fathers and regretted that their dreams of a prosperous nation are bedevilled with the challenges of insurgency, poverty, unemployment and fragmented democracy.
The Governor was optimistic that Nigeria will be a great nation and urged all to pray for the peace and unity of the country.
“It is by his infinite mercy that we have remained as a nation. I urge us to continue to pray for the unity, progress and development of Nigeria. There is so much more God wants to do for us as a nation”, he added.
Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of Diocese of Niger Delta North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, charged all to rededicate themselves to God and to remain patriotic to national growth.
The Bishop represented by Ven. Kingsley Ogbonda, suggested that Government should explore other areas in agriculture, security, hospitality, education and transportation to diversify the economy.
Special prayers were made for the nation and her leaders, Rivers State, the State Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature. Prayers were also made for the Governor and his family and for the Church and her leaders.
The service was also attended by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Adama Iyaye-Lamikanra, the Service Chiefs, the State Chairman of PDP, State Executive Members, former Deputy Governors, Chiefs, Elder statesmen and other top government functionaries.
