Independence: 62 years after, Nigeria needs freedom from Poverty, Terrorism- Sanwo-Olu

IBRAHIM QUADRI 

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday said having attained independence from colonial masters since 62 years ago, Nigeria needs freedom from poverty and terrorism as the world awaits her greatness.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the assertion while delivering his keynote address during independence parade that took place at Mobilaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

 

Donned in white flowing garment with a green muffler around his neck on a motorcade, Sanwo-Olu inspected the guard of honour at the parade ground.

 

The march past was conducted by the officers from Lagos Police Command where para-military agencies and schoolchildren also participated.

 

As the 2023 general elections begin, he enjoined politicians to focus on issues and refrain from the politics of division and bitterness, adding that divergent opinions are part of the beauty of democracy.

 

The climax of the event was the cutting of anniversary cake which was also led by the Governor.

 

Sanwo-Olu declared, “There is no gainsaying that the world awaits the greatness of our Nation; and by our collective efforts, we will rise above all odds and take our rightful place in history.

 

“This year also marks the 23rd year since the birth of our 4th Republic, our most successful democratic journey in the history of our nation.

 

“We truly have a lot to be grateful for. Amidst many odds and challenges, we have continued to exist as one strong country, recording progress on many fronts. Even if we are not always where we would like to be as a nation, there are clear signs of slow and steady progress.

 

“We are blessed with an energetic population, resourceful and laden with entrepreneurial energy, a free and vibrant press, a youth population that is increasingly politically aware, a democracy that is not complacent, and a thriving appetite among all our people for good governance. All of these mean that we can look forward with hope to the future of Nigeria.

 

“I am personally fully persuaded and confident that Nigeria is on an irreversible march to greatness, economically, politically, socially and culturally. There is no gainsaying that the world awaits the greatness of our Nation; and by our collective efforts, we will rise above all odds and take our rightful place in history.

 

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the efforts of all of you our people who have remained resolute in your commitment to ‘Project Nigeria’, despite the challenges our country is contending with.

 

“Sixty years ago, it was freedom from colonial rule, which we are celebrating; today the striving is to attain freedom from terrorism, poverty, the disastrous impact of climate change, and from moral decline. More than ever before, we owe it a duty to the younger generations to collectively develop lasting solution to our challenges.”

 

On the special status Lagos occupies, Sanwo-Olu pointed out, “I must also acknowledge and celebrate the place of Lagos State in the unfolding greatness of Lagos. Our State has always been a pacesetter, and it is no mistake that we are known and addressed in that light.

 

“Many creative initiatives that originated in Lagos have become templates for other States and even the Federal Government, in the collective drive to accelerate development and bring prosperity to all parts of the country.

 

“It was here in Lagos that the story of our independence unfolded, where the Union Jack went down and the Green-White-Green took its place, carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of black people in Nigeria and beyond. It was here that the new, post Independent Government emerged and began the historic task of full self-government.

 

“Since then, that Lagos has grown in leaps and bounds, in all ramifications. But all through the momentous changes, from long before Independence, until this moment, one thing has not changed. We are still the melting pot that we have always been, for people of all faiths, tongues, and socio-economic classes.

 

“On top of all this, since 1999, successive administrations have taken very seriously the work of governing Lagos and transforming it into a globally competitive megacity.

 

“Let me at this juncture pay special tribute to all my predecessors, who have laid a strong foundation for the work that we are carrying on with today, through our developmental agenda, T.H.E.M.E.S.

 

“We will build a State that works for all, in which there will be equal opportunity for everyone to pursue their legitimate aspirations.

 

“As your representatives and custodians of your mandate, we shall keep our hands on the plough and remain focused on our goal of making life more comfortable, healthier and wealthier for our people.”

 

Speaking on the 2023 general elections, the Governor noted, “I enjoin everyone to focus on issues and refrain from the politics of division and bitterness. We must respect divergent opinions and respect the fact that the beauty of democracy lies in the fact that we will not all share the same ideological and political views. What we want, and what is not negotiable, is a better country.”

 

 

For a better society