Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called on Nigerians to take responsibility for the development of the country, saying every citizen has a role to play in building a better Nigeria.
Soludo made the call at an Independence Service held at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, ahead of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
The governor, while acknowledging the progress Nigeria had recorded since independence in 1960, said the country still had significant challenges to overcome to realise its full potential.
He urged citizens to move beyond criticism and contribute positively to addressing the challenges facing the nation.
“Nigeria has made significant progress, but a lot needs to be done, and every citizen has a role to play in building a better country,” Soludo said.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the development of Anambra State, while calling on residents to support efforts aimed at improving the state.
Speaking on the recent flooding in the state, which claimed the life of a schoolchild, Soludo expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and identified poor drainage maintenance, uncontrolled runoff and deforestation as some of the factors contributing to flooding in parts of the state.
He urged residents to keep their surroundings clean, maintain drainage channels and desist from activities that could obstruct the free flow of water.
On security, the governor said his administration had strengthened the state’s security architecture and introduced the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign to encourage residents to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal incidents to security agencies.
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Earlier, in his sermon titled “From Bondage to Freedom: God’s Purpose for Nigeria,” the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, urged Nigerian leaders to use their positions to make meaningful and lasting contributions to national development.
Ibezim stressed the need for accountability in governance, urging leaders to ensure that their policies and actions promote the welfare and progress of the people.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s leadership since independence, the Archbishop noted that leaders would come and go, but those entrusted with public authority should use their time in office to leave positive legacies.
He also urged Nigerians to contribute to the development of the country rather than continually criticising it.
Ibezim encouraged Governor Soludo to sustain his administration’s efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, while acknowledging what he described as achievements recorded during the governor’s first term.
