Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace both their rights and responsibilities to build a stronger and more united country.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service, held to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary at the Chapel of Christ The Light in Alausa, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, called on citizens to shift their focus from solely demanding their rights and instead prioritise fulfilling their civic duties.
The Governor noted that while citizens are rightfully entitled to certain freedoms and protections, the nation’s progress depends equally on individuals recognising and acting on their responsibilities and obligations.
“Nigeria will become stronger when we, as a people, shift from only focusing on our rights to embracing both our rights and responsibilities. We cannot build a prosperous and united country if we are solely concerned with what we are owed, without considering what we owe to our nation and one another”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that achieving national development requires a collective effort, emphasising that everyone must contribute to the common good. He reiterated that for Nigeria to reach its full potential, every citizen must play an active role in fostering unity, reducing conflicts, and upholding the rule of law.
The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and security-critical sectors needed for the state to thrive. He emphasised that public cooperation is essential to ensure that investments in these areas are effective and provide value.
Referring to the event’s theme, “Rebuilders of Broken Foundations”, and drawing from Isaiah 58:12, Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the need for Nigerians to unite and restore what has been broken or lost in the country.
“The responsibility of the citizens must not end at the ballot box. Nigerians should be actively interested in how they are governed and seek to be directly involved in shaping the nation’s future”, Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Guest Preacher, Bishop (Dr.) Jeremiah Babatunde Adeyemi of CMAG International Ministry expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future. He urged the populace to move away from complaints and arguments and instead should devote themselves to prayer and supplication for a brighter tomorrow.
The 64th Anniversary Thanksgiving, held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, gathered religious leaders, government officials, and citizens in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection for Nigeria’s progress. The event, part of the annual Independence celebrations, was preceded by a Special Jumat Service held on Friday at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.
Dignitaries at the celebration included former First Lady of Lagos State, Lady Gladys Ndubuisi Kanu, former Deputy Governors of Lagos State, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, and Mr. Femi Pedro, accompanied by his wife, Hon. Justice Jumoke Pedro.
Also present were members of the State Executive Council, the Body of Permanent Secretaries, and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi. Representatives of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, the Head of Service, the Oba of Lagos, and the Iyaloja-General also attended, among other notable figures.
The service featured special prayers for Nigeria’s leadership, military, and economy.
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