Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong says Nigeria will rise above its current challenges to fulfill its divine mandate as the largest black nation in the world.
Speaking during a church service to mark the 60th independence anniversary held at the St. Monica Catholic Church, Rantya, Jos, the Governor said there is a lot to celebrate despite some of its challenges.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor,Dr. Makut Simon Macham quoted Lalong as saying that Nigeria has made giant strides over the last 60 years in various areas including education, health, science and technology, agriculture, infrastructure and democracy.
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While acknowledging that the nation still faces other challenges relating to security, good governance, unity and corruption, Lalong said Nigerians must be united to resolve these issues in order to make room for development.
He said ” The responsibility of making Nigeria great belongs to of all of us that dwell in it. It is our country and we have no other. While we hold accountable those in public offices (whether elected or appointed) who have been given the assignment of leadership to be accountable, fair, just and proactive, we cannot fail to support them. Failure to support them because of differences of religion, ethnicity, politics and other affiliations will keep all of us running in circles and down”.
He said his Rescue Administration has done its best to restore security in the State and also pursue economic and infrastructural development.
In his homily, Msgnr. Prof. Cletus Gotan said Nigeria is a great country which is blessed in all aspects but has been held down by greed, political maladministration, corruption, poverty and insecurity.
He said Nigeria is in need of a Nehemiah who will galvanise positive action for emancipation of the nation to a direction whère justice, equity, fairness, righteousness and tolerance will take precedence over parochial considerations which appear to have been given prominence in governance.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State Rev. Fr. Polycap Lubo said the Church on the Plateau will continue to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria as well as Plateau State.
