By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, patriotism and responsible citizenship as essential ingredients for building the country they desire.
Oborevwori made the call on Sunday at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, where he urged Nigerians across generations to remain committed to the ideals of courage, resilience and love for country.
The governor, while honouring the founding fathers of Nigeria for their sacrifices towards the country’s independence, said nation-building required the collective efforts of citizens, leaders and institutions.
He also called on Nigerians to continually pray for the peace, stability and prosperity of the country, describing the Church’s intercession for the nation as vital to its progress.
“Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint,” he said.
Public Office Is a Trust, Governor Says
Oborevwori also used the occasion to remind politicians, civil servants and other public officials that their positions were held in trust for the people.
He urged those in government to place the interests of the public above personal and family considerations, stressing that public office carried a responsibility to serve the common good.
“At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.
“Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,” the governor said.
According to him, public officials would ultimately be accountable for how they discharged the responsibilities entrusted to them.
He therefore called on leaders at all levels to carry out their duties with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.
Nigeria Has Made Democratic Progress
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Oborevwori said the country had reasons to be grateful to God, particularly for the progress recorded in democratic governance.
He noted that Nigeria had, on May 29, marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
“On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting,” he said.
The governor further stressed the role of religious institutions in promoting peace and stability, urging the Church to remain committed to praying for the nation.
Citing Jeremiah 29:7, which urges believers to “seek the peace of the city” and pray for it, Oborevwori said the security and wellbeing enjoyed by individuals were closely connected to the peace of the wider society.
He attributed the relative peace in Delta State to the contributions of traditional rulers, Presidents-General, community leaders and other stakeholders, as well as what he described as the wisdom granted by God.
Pastor Calls for Collective Responsibility
Earlier, the Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to nation-building, saying the development of the country required faith, patriotism and collective responsibility.
Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was undergoing an awakening capable of unlocking its potential and helping the country reclaim its place among nations.
He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contributions to society, patriotism and positive community impact as important duties of citizens.
According to him, no nation achieves greatness by accident, stressing that citizens must play their part in shaping the future of the country.
The pastor also prayed for wisdom and divine guidance for leaders at all levels, using Governor Oborevwori as a point of contact, and urged those in authority to manage public resources responsibly and serve the common good.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, alongside other lawmakers; Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Elder Moses Iduh; senior government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
