Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has commended the resilience of Nigerians that made it possible for the country to still stand firm today, 61 years after independence despite all odds.
He also said that the dream of Nigeria as a work in progress has a lot to do with their resilience, noting that the country has every reason to celebrate at 61 regardless of the circumstances she has found herself in today.
Addressing Nigerians who came out to celebrate the 61st Independence Anniversary at the Hero’s Square in Owerri the Imo State capital, the governor said in spite of the challenges that have assailed the nation in the last 61years, Nigeria is still standing strong and even waxing stronger.
He congratulated all Nigerians, including leaders and heroes, past and present, for their individual and collective contributions and sacrifices in sustaining the big Nigerian family these 61 years.
“This is more so for the fact that in spite of the challenges that have assailed the nation in the last 61years, Nigeria is still standing strong and even waxing stronger.”
The governor also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for providing “inspirational leadership at the most trying time of our nation, a time the country has had to contend with reactionary elements who want to sabotage the nation for purely selfish and political reasons.”
He reminded them of the devastating consequences of a 30 months civil war that affected the zone so badly and cannot be allowed to repeat itself.
His words: “As a people who are everywhere in Nigeria Ndi Igbo need to remain agents of consolidation, not division and destruction to avoid suffering in their own country by their actions or inactions.”
He saluted the good people of Imo State and reminded them that “the 61st Independence Anniversary celebration is a clarion call to move closer as a people in the pursuit of our common goal which is to make Imo State better for the future generations.”
The governor congratulated Ndi Imo, “particularly those of them who break all odds to express their faith in the united Nigeria by residing in almost all parts of the country to ply their sundry trades and businesses,” and described their actions as “patriotic.”
Governor Uzodimma reminded his audience that 2019 elections have long been concluded and as such, he asked all and sundry to look forward to brighter future.
The governor also highlighted the modest achievements of his government in reversing the decay in infrastructure, addressing the rot in the civil service and halting the corruption in the payroll system, as well as touching the lives of Imo youths, saying that his “government has spent more than N8billion for their training and empowerment in the past one year.”
He said in a few weeks, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo will be coming to Imo State, “precisely on October 15, to administer N12billion empowerment programme to the private sector.
“Imo traders, artisans and the vulnerable are expected to benefit from this massive empowerment. This is a direct benefit from the presidential visit,” he said.
Highlights of the occasion were the cutting of anniversary cake and the release of white pigeons to express the unity of Nigeria.
The event was graced by the First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku and his wife, Dr. Bola Njoku, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem, serving and former National and State Assembly lawmakers and members of the Imo State expanded executive council.
