Nigeria @66: Oborevwori Calls For Unity, Dialogue & Compassion
By PAULINA NZERUBE
DELTA State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, dialogue and compassion as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Oborevwori spoke on Thursday in Asaba during the ceremonial match-past by the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary organisations at the Cenotaph.
He congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad. He also reflected on the country’s journey since independence.
According to the governor, Nigeria has faced the Civil War, economic difficulties, political transitions and other periods of uncertainty. Nevertheless, he said the Nigerian spirit had endured.
Oborevwori recalled the raising of the Green-White-Green flag 66 years ago. He also honoured the founding fathers and others who contributed to building the country.
He described Nigeria’s diversity as a strength. At the same time, he said unity must remain the foundation for a prosperous future.
The governor acknowledged the challenges confronting the country. However, he maintained that Nigerians also possessed the capacity to overcome them.
He therefore urged citizens to place national interest above narrow considerations. That, he said, would help create a society where people could live with dignity, justice and fairness.
Young Nigerians, he added, should have opportunities to build meaningful lives.
In Delta State, Oborevwori said his administration would continue contributing to national development through its MORE Agenda. He listed infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and support for youths, women and artisans among the areas of focus.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance. According to him, no community, ethnic group, gender or generation should be excluded from development.
Both riverine and upland communities, he said, should have a stake in the state’s progress.
“True progress is measured by how widely its benefits are felt,” the governor said.
Beyond development programmes, Oborevwori appealed for greater empathy towards people facing difficult circumstances.
He particularly warned against exploiting tragedies for personal or sectional advantage. Instead, he called for respect for victims and their families.
“Behind every tragedy are real people and families who are enduring pain,” he said, urging Nigerians to reject division and embrace dialogue.
Quoting Psalm 133:1, the governor also stressed the importance of living together in unity. He said Nigerians, despite their differences, shared a common destiny.
Meanwhile, the anniversary ceremony featured a match-past by the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and National Youth Service Corps.
Police Officers’ Wives Association, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and representatives of local government councils also participated.
The event ended with the cutting of the 66th Independence Anniversary cake as dignitaries joined Nigerians in marking another milestone in the country’s history.
