Oborevwori also urged Nigerians to remain positive, noting that tough times don’t last, but tough people do
By Kehinde Okeowo
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has asked Nigerians to remain hopeful and united despite the harsh economic condition in the country.
He gave the advice at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Asaba, to mark the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking during the event, the governor urged citizens to remain optimistic and not be overwhelmed by the present economic challenges bedevilling the nation.
Rather, he encouraged them to remain positive, noting that tough times don’t last, but tough people do by effectively surmounting challenges facing them.
While paying glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Nigeria Oborevwori said: “It goes without saying that there is hunger and despair in the land because of the high cost of living caused by inflation.
“There are not enough words to describe the pain and suffering many people are going through because of the ongoing fiscal and economic reforms.
“However, I want to say that these, too, shall come to pass. Every problem has an expiry date and this will not be an exception.
“So, I urge Deltans and residents in the state to refuse to give up. Tough times never last but tough people do.”
He further noted that the situation in the country calls for creativity, innovation, determination, patience, and resilience on the part of the leaders and the governed.
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Also speaking, his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodinma admonished Nigerians to be patriotic in championing peace and togetherness among fellow citizens for the progress of the nation.
He maintained that Nigerians have every reason to thank God after 64 years of Independence from colonial masters, insisting that the country’s brightest days lie ahead.
The Governor added that Nigeria’s story is not that of defeat but hope in the Supreme God and went on to solicit collective prayers for the country and her leaders from the citizenry.
Addressing a congregation at the end of the Independence Day Anniversary Church Service at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, Sunday, Uzodinma expressed thanks to God for giving Nigerians another opportunity to celebrate their Independence in the face of relative peace and unity, noting that it is a sign that ,”Nigeria is a Nation whose God is Lord.’’
He said that despite all the perceived challenges from different parts of the country, ‘’Nigeria has not been confronted with full-blown war.’’
He recalled that the recent flooding that devastated some parts of the country was a big challenge, but noted that “with God all things are possible.”
The Governor said Nigerians have three good reasons to praise God “One, after 64 years of Independence God has allowed the country to make progress; secondly, there is the gift of life for Nigerians to stay together as brothers and sisters and finally, Nigeria has experienced relative peace that prevails in our land despite all challenges”.
Uzodinma further urged Nigerians to give thanks to God in all circumstances and move away from what he described as “lamentation to celebration and from dismay to hope.”