The celebration of Nigeria’s 53rd Independence anniversary was celebrated across the Federal Capital Territory and the 36 states of the country, as governors clamour for peace,unity and oneness of Nigeria so the challenges facing the nation can be surmounted.
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.