Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, told Nigerians to be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to build a country that reflects their collective aspirations.
Oborevwori who stated this at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, called on present and future generations to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, courage, patriotism and resilience.
While paying tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, he called on Nigerians to demonstrate their love for the country by praying for its peace and prosperity.
The Governor maintained that the Church’s continued intercession for Nigeria remained critical to the nation’s progress.
He said, “Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint.”
Oborevwori, who emphasised the importance of wisdom in governance and leadership, urged public servants and politicians to remember that their positions were held in trust for the people.
“At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.
“Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,” he said.
Oborevwori added that public officials would ultimately give account of their stewardship to God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and commitment to the common good.
Speaking further, he charged public servants, politicians and other leaders to make service to the people their top priority, stressing that every position of public trust must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and accountability.
The Governor, who said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence called for gratitude to God, noted that the country had made steady progress, particularly in the area of democratic governance.
He said, “On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting.”
According to him, the Church has an important role to play in sustaining peace and stability in the country through prayers, citing the biblical injunction in Jeremiah 29:7 to “seek the peace of the city” and pray for it.
He said the peace and security enjoyed by individuals were dependent on the peace of the country, adding that the relative peace in Delta State was achieved through the contributions of Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Community Leaders and other stakeholders, as well as the wisdom granted by God.
Earlier, the Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country, stressing that nation-building required faith, patriotism and collective responsibility.
Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening that would unlock its potential and restore its rightful place in the comity of nations.
He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as key responsibilities of citizens, stressing that no nation attained greatness by accident.
Using Governor Oborevwori as a point of contact, Johns prayed for wisdom and guidance for leaders at all levels to responsibly manage the nation’s resources and serve the common good.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other members of the Assembly; Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, Elder Moses Iduh; top government functionaries and traditional rulers, among others.
