DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Sunday, September 27, charged Nigerians to be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to build a country that reflects their collective aspirations, urging present and future generations to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, courage, patriotism and resilience.
Oborevwori, who stated this at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, calling 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, noting: “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.”
He stressed 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, adding: “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.”
The governor reminded public officials that they would ultimately give account of their stewardship to God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and commitment to the common good.
He charged public servants, politicians and other leaders to make service to the people their top priority, saying every position of public trust must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and accountability.
Oborevwori said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence called for gratitude to God, noting that the country has made steady progress, particularly in the area of democratic governance, despite “bumps and twists along the way,” and that the future remains promising and exciting.
He said 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.
Earlier, the Presiding Pastor of the church, 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, even as he identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as key responsibilities of citizens, as no nation attained greatness by accident.
The service was attended by the governor’s wife, Tobore; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the state House of Assembly, Emeka Nwaobi, and other members of the Assembly; state Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Moses Iduh; top government functionaries and traditional rulers, among others.
