By Adebisi Adeyemi, Lagos
As Nigerians celebrated the country’s 57th Independence Day anniversary yesterday, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has called on the citizens to embrace and promote unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The governor also highlighted the need for socio-economic development, respect for the rule of law and eradication of corruption for the development of the nation.
In his address during the celebration of the 57th Independence Day Celebration, held at the MKO Abiola International stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, the governor, stressed that the significance of the National Day celebration is to take a lesson from the sacrifices the heroes past and also ensure that nothing divides them as a people
Urging Nigerians to begin to see strength in their unity and diversity, Amosun condemned those engaging and sponsoring hate speeches, saying it is capable of sending the nation into a conflagration.
According to him, such a day should rekindle in the people, a nationalist fire, for them to see each other as brothers and sisters, irrespective of creed or breed.
Speaking on the clamour for the restructuring of the country, the governor said it will be of benefit, if they let go their differences and come together as one people, despite ethnic, religious, political and geographical differences and thereby, collectively look into the issues that affect them as a people, in order to provide lasting solutions and strengthen peaceful cohabitation as a nation.
He assured that his government would ensure the completion of all ongoing projects, embarked upon across the three Senatorial Districts of the state, before the expiration of his administration, ranging from road construction, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture amongst others.
Soliciting the continued support, cooperation, prayers and patience of the people of the state, Amosun reiterated his administration’s determination to build a society, with equal opportunities, for all to fulfil their potentials.
Governor Amosun said that the commitment of his administration in the past six years, has created a conducive environment for businesses to flourish, thereby housing the largest concentration of industries in the country.
This, he noted, has created more employment for the youths, and by extension, reduced cases of crime in the state to the barest minimum.