Independence Day: Let’s rekindle hope, unity of Nigeria — Adeleke’s SA, Durojaye

By Jeleel Olawale

The Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Cooperative and Empowerment, Hon. Durojaye Isaac Kolawole, has called on Nigerian leaders to maintain unity, faith and hope preached by Nigeria’s founding fathers as the country celebrates its 63rd anniversary.

In his independence message, he noted that even though Nigerians are currently facing economic hardship with extreme poverty, he hoped that the people will overcome the tough times.

“But I know even much more that tough times never last but tough people do. And Nigerians are a tough people. Evidence of that abounds in our strength in adversity and most especially amongst our youth who continue to make us proud.”

He also urged Nigerians to ensure more vibrant, constructive and patriotic citizen participation in the governance of their country, saying Nigerians are passing through tough times. It is time to take stock and seek divine intervention and guidance in the affairs of our nation.

Durojaye admonished Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves to the idea of defining their personal interests in line with how it helps the realisation of national objectives.

He explained that the national objective of every Nigerian should be to build a united, peaceful, economically strong, internationally respected country, with robust military, well motivated work-force, ambitious youth and fulfilled citizens.

“Citizens should stop abandoning politics and political choices to politicians and manipulative elements who invoke only religious, ethnic and geo-political sentiments to impose leadership who are only supported for the purpose of serving the interests of those who put them in office.

“Nigerians should vow that the leader who will lead the country must be one who would have set this country on the path of genuine socio-economic development and political greatness.

“These ideals are what we should rally our people around. The people should not allow government officials and politicians to continue manipulating them in pursuit of narrow interests,” he said.

He noted that Nigerians should never allow leaders who behave as emperors, maximum rulers or messiahs and cabals created by them to seize control of government and its machinery.

He added: “At this point when democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, all Nigerians should use the occasion of the 63rd Independence Anniversary to redefine what should constitute the Nigerian dream, rally round that dream, support leaders who are capable and competent to realize that dream.”

He explained further that one of the key reasons for the non-realisation of the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers was because the citizens failed to seize control of the fortunes and future of the country while allowing sentiments to determine the choice of leaders and what national objectives should entail.

While calling for a vigilant citizenry involved in monitoring government activities, officials and programmes, the Special Adviser prayed that the country will continue to exist in peace, with unity among the various groups and continuous development of the various parts.

Durojaye urged Nigerians not to lose hope and faith in the progress of the country as he expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon begin to experience the true benefits of democracy.

While stating that governments have, over the years, failed to provide good governance that would translate to wealth and prosperity for the citizens, he called for the effective functioning of the three tiers of government.

The Special Adviser also called for more active participation of citizens in governance. He said any generation that relaxed on vigilance would awaken to the rude shock that those who are not supposed to govern them would do and messed up the system.

He added that nothing was impossible in a united, peaceful and democratic Nigeria.

Recall that the Osun State Government has in release by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday, cancelled activities earlier slated for the commemoration of October 1, Independence Day in the state.

No reason was however given for the cancellation. The Governor urged the people to use the Independence Day to pray for the continuous peace and prosperity of Nigeria.