Starting with the celebrations at the Presidential
Villa, where President Goodluck Jonathan hosted past leaders of the nation to a
low key celebration, we look at some other states and their goodwill messages.
The Presidential Villa was agog with activities as many Nigerians and
members of the Diplomatic Corps converged to witness the change of
guards lined up by the presidency to mark Nigeria’s 53rd Independence
Day celebration.
The event also had in attendance former Military Head of State,
General Yakubu Gowon and the Head of Interim Government Chief Ernest
Shonekan.
The ceremony had Service Chiefs, members of the Federal Executive Council, and members of the National Assembly in attendance.
Earlier in the year, the federal government promised a low key
celebration because of the centenary celebrations coming up in 2014.
The federal government chose the forecourt of the presidential villa
to mark the Independence Day, because of the low key nature of the
celebration,but that did not in any way diminish the significance of the
day.
The national salute heralded the arrival of President Jonathan as he mounted the Diaz for the national anthem.
That was followed by opening prayers by the President of the
Christian Association of Nigeria and the Chief Imam of the Abuja central
mosque.
The Presidential change of guards’ parade was something to behold as
the guests, some of them past heads of government sat to savour the
event that lasted for about an hour. The soldiers are the ones that take
care of security in the presidential villa, and left no one in doubt as
to what the military stands for in the defence of the integrity of
Nigeria.
The guests watched how the quarter guards carry out inspections at
the beginning of each working week, an inspection that also touched on
the exchange of weapons, to ensure dexterity in handling them while on
duty.
The commander in chief signed the anniversary register and performed
the release of the ceremonial pigeons, signifying peace, harmony ad
mutual existence, then the president was joined by the two former
leaders who attended the event to cut the anniversary cake.
The President promised that the parade of huge military formations
and the display of best military hardware will take place when the
nation marks one hundred years of its existence as a nation and that
will be in January 2014.
Meanwhile Prominent Nigerians and elder statesmen have been reacting to the President’s speech.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon says there is the need for
Nigerians to continue to realize the fact that they need to co-exist ,
while head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan ,
General Oladipo Diya as well as General Domkat Bali describe the speech
as eloquent.
For them countries and individuals do have challenges but the way the
challenges are handled should be uppermost in everyone’s mind.
Spirit Of Unity, Patriotism And Nationalism
In Imo state, governor Rochas Okorocha has called on Nigerians to
imbibe the spirit of unity, patriotism and nationalism even as the
nation celebrates her 53rd independence anniversary.
While speaking to newsmen at the government house in Owerri, the Imo
state capital, the governor noted that in moving the country forward,
Nigerians including political leaders must deviate from the regular ways
things are being done in the past and there must be a change in the
style of leadership and service for the country to move forward.
The governor further explained that this period also calls for a
sober reflection following the incessant insecurity challenges facing
the country at the moment.
He expressed optimism that the nation will not break up in the year
2015 contrary to opinion from some quarters. He said what unites us as a
nation is stronger than what can divide us.
53 Years After, Battle Still On For Nigeria
In Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, Governor Ibikunle Amosun led
others to take salute in a march past held at the Moshood Abiola
Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta by members of the Armed forces, Para military
organizations, the Nigeria police force, school children and others.
In his anniversary celebration address, the state governor was of
the view that there is no cause for celebration yet as the nation in its
53 years is still battling with socio-economic, political and
ethno-religious challenges which has continued to slow down its
development.
He however called for re-assessment of the nation’s value system,
just as he reiterated the commitment of his administration towards
rebuilding the socio economic fortunes of the state.
Unity Will Phase Out Challenges
In Calabar, the Cross River state capital, the Independence
celebration was held at the Brigadier U.J Esuene Sports Stadium and was
presided over by the Governor of the state Liyel Imoke who urged
Nigerians to remain united despite the myriad of challenges plaguing it
as an entity.
He disabused the minds of many who predict that the nation may soon
cease to exist as one political entity following its many challenges and
called on Nigerians to count the gains the country has recorded since
independence rather than, its continuous setbacks.
He added that, the dream of every Nigerian can be made possible
through collective responsibility, urging everyone to play their little
part in achieving this feat.
Prayers For Present Administration
In Akwa Ibom state, south south Nigeria, Nigeria’s 53rd
Independence day was marked with a march past by uniformed
organisations, school children and traditional dances at the Uyo
Township Stadium.
Gov Godswill Akpabio who presented President Jonathan’s address on
the occasion seized the opportunity to call on the people to continue to
pray for the success of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Akpabio noted that with the declaration of free education up to
senior secondary school and massive infrastructural development, his
administration has laid a solid foundation for the success of future
generations.
He thanked President Jonathan for approving the establishment of
Ibaka Deep Port which he described as the future of Nigeria’s maritime
industry.
The event was attended by Akwa Ibom people from all walks of life.
Source: Channelstv
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