By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has declared that Nigeria as a nation is on the rise, notwithstanding some drawbacks in its nation building efforts and its share of the global challenges.
AbdulRazaq, who spoke in Ilorin on Saturday on the occasion of the Nation’s 62nd Independence Anniversary, stressed the need for leaders and citizens to play their roles to better the lots of the country and its people.
The event held amid colourful march-pasts by contingents from the security agencies, public and private primary and secondary schools, members of the national youth corps and the Red Cross in Kwara State and attended, among other dignitaries, by Deputy
Governor Kayode Alabi; First Lady Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq; Senator Sadiq Umar (North); and House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
“Nigeria is a nation on the rise. I agree that we are struggling against various challenges of nation building. Yes, we are up against the fluctuations of the global economy,” he said, adding: “However, our country is not stagnant. We are not hopeless. Everyday, new successes are being recorded in the economy, infrastructural development, defence, and in our democratic journey,” the Governor said, adding that “things will be better if everyone plays their role and prioritizes national peace, unity, and collective growth”.
He congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and other Nigerian citizens on the celebration, appreciating God and all founding fellows for their excellent contributions towards gaining that freedom.
“With gratitude to the Almighty God and respect to all the founding fathers and mothers of our country, I join Mr. President to congratulate Nigerians on the 62nd Independence of our country,” he added.
AbdulRazaq said Kwara is equally waxing stronger under his watch, adding that the government has a duty to consolidate on some of the achievements recorded so far.
The Governor charged all Kwarans to continue to exist in peace, and make the State continually hospitable and attractive to investors.
The October 1 event is the annual commemoration of Nigeria’s political independence from Britain, with the Green White Green effectively replacing the British blue ensign with a Star of David surrounding the Tudor/Edward’s Crown. The latter had been adopted as the flag of Nigeria after the British amalgamated Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914.
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