Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians to complement their prayers for the country with responsible citizenship, hard work and a shared commitment to building a more united and prosperous nation.
The Governor made the call on Sunday, at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, during a special Independence Thanksgiving Service commemorating Nigeria’s 66th anniversary of Independence.
Represented at the service by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Governor acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey has included periods of significant progress and difficult moments. Still, he stressed that Nigerians’ resilience remains one of the country’s greatest strengths.
Speaking on the theme, “A Nation of Hope, Healing and Revival,” Sanwo-Olu said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence but also to renew the collective determination to contribute to the country’s progress.
He said Nigeria possesses the human and material resources required to build a stronger future, citing its youthful population, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, natural resources and capacity for innovation.
Sanwo-Olu also used the occasion to highlight the role of Lagos in demonstrating what can be achieved through purposeful leadership and collective effort. He pointed to investments in transportation, education, healthcare, security, enterprise development and environmental sustainability as part of ongoing efforts to create a more productive and liveable Lagos.
According to him, the responsibility for national renewal extends beyond government, stressing that citizens, faith-based organisations and other institutions must play their respective roles in shaping the country’s future.
He urged Nigerians, particularly people of faith, to ensure that their prayers are accompanied by actions that promote integrity, compassion, excellence and responsible citizenship.
The Governor called for a renewed commitment to raising a generation that understands leadership as a responsibility and citizenship as a duty, noting that true success should be measured not only by personal accomplishments but also by the positive contributions individuals make to society.
Sanwo-Olu further encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future, insisting that present challenges should not define the nation’s ultimate destiny.
He said the aspiration should be to build a Nigeria where children have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, diversity becomes a source of strength rather than division, and citizens are united by a shared sense of purpose and common destiny.
The Governor, however, urged Nigerians to approach the years ahead with faith, hope and courage, expressing confidence that the country can achieve the future its citizens desire through collective commitment and sustained effort.