Nigeria at 64: In unity lies our strength— Makinde

Governor of Oyo State, “Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to stay united by clinging to our shared identity, culture, and history rather than dividing. 

He says when we stay together in unity, we shall all move together and develop our country.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, made the call on Tuesday while commemorating the Nigeria 64th Independence Day anniversary held at the Lekan Salami stadium, Ibadan. 

He called on all authorities to wake up and make sure that Nigerians are out together in unity for the development of Nigeria and Oyo state, saying that the 64th anniversary should serve as a reminder since the nation’s fabric of togetherness is very weak. 

The Deputy Governor stated that the current administration, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, will keep fostering harmony and peace in the state and bolstering democratic institutions which is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations.

According to Lawal, as part of efforts of Makinde led administration to guarantee peaceful cohabitation was tackling the issue of insecurity to the barest minimum in the state as the protection of people and properties is the main business of government.

The Deputy Governor continued, pointing out that the administration’s main goal is to ensure public happiness, adding that SAfER buses have been introduced and distributed to help with transportation in Oyo state.

He equally expressed the current administration’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of the state among which he listed to include road connectivity across zones, palliatives distribution among others, to cushion the effect of subsidy removal. 

He added that the government has continuously issued timeless letter of promotion to qualified civil servants, provided small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State, including Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations, and also building the future of students and children.

The Deputy Governor who disclosed that the 110km circular road is getting to about 25% completion, said the road will boost the economy of Oyo state, likewise other roads which are still under construction across the state. 

He said: “Permit me to really say that our youths are our future. We must really advise, monitor and guide them in the right direction. In this regard, through the ministry of education and other education agencies, we are ensuring that proper education is giving to our students. 

“We will not leave our children idle. We have started future courses and we want them to embrace the opportunities the Oyo State government is providing them. 

“We must reflect and see the challenges all of us are facing today. The 64th anniversary should serve as a reminder because fabric of unity is very weak, and on this occasion, we are calling on all authorities to wake up and ensure that our people are out together in unity for the development of Nigeria and Oyo state. 

“In unity, we shall all move together and develop our country. United we stay, divided we fall. We shall not fall, we will stay together.

“So, on behalf of His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, let me thank all the stakeholders in Oyo state particularly the traditional institutions, religious associations among others. They should continue collaborating with government and continue to pray for peace and development. 

“We equally extend our appreciations to elders, political class regardless of party affiliations in the state for their support. 

“While I also appreciate the security agencies for their contributions at maintaining peace and stability in the state, it is our hope that the future of our nation will be better than the past. Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead.”

The highlights of the event were marching parade and other activities. 

The event was attended by the Oyo Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin; HoS, Olubunmi Oni mni; Chairman and Co-chairman and members, Elders Council; Chairmen and members advisory Council; Hon. Commissioners in the Cabinet and other top government functionaries. 

Also were Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas; Chairmen of Boards and Commissions; PDP Secretary and members of Oyo State PDP Exco, and host of others.