Sanwo-Olu urges Nigerians to embrace hope as Nation celebrates 64th Independence Anniversary
L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Abdullahi Jebe; Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. OLanrewaju Ibrahim Layode; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Political, Legislative & Civic Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Afolabi and Commissioner Basic & Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun at the 64th National Independence Day Celebration Service, held today at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged citizens to maintain hope in the country, assuring them of ongoing efforts to sustain economic stability and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, made this statement during a Special Jumaat organized to commemorate the 64th National Independence Day Celebration, held on Friday at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque in Alausa, Ikeja.
The Governor emphasised the importance of hope, stating that citizens should not succumb to despair as the government is actively implementing plans to address the nation’s challenges.
He remarked, “As a people, we cannot afford to be hopeless. We must be optimistic because there is a plan in place. We can discuss the merits of that plan, but the key point is that there is a strategy aimed at ensuring the economic stability of the country.”
He further explained the necessity of sustaining reserves, noting, “We are a nation that imports significantly and is in the process of building infrastructure—schools, hospitals, and more. It’s essential to maintain our economic stability. A plan exists, and without it, we face real problems.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, citing ongoing workable plans and the importance of vision in ensuring the nation’s progress.
He urged Nigerians to focus on facts in public discourse, warning that negative commentary could hinder national development despite the country’s intellectual potential.
“We must address why our country sometimes seems stagnant, even though Nigerians excel globally,” he said.
He also lamented the decline of communal values, attributing it to a shift towards Western lifestyles. The Governor appealed to parents to prioritize their roles in instilling values and urged religious leaders to assist in mending the fabric of family units through impactful sermons.
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In his goodwill message, Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, encouraged Nigerians to exercise patience.
“Allah has blessed the country with a good, God-fearing president with noble intentions. Our current challenges resemble a deteriorating building in need of major rehabilitation, so patience is essential,” he stated.
Justice Alogba reminded citizens to be thankful for their experiences, noting that many nations have faced far worse circumstances without achieving unity. “We have every reason to remain hopeful,” he concluded.
Chief Imam Dr. Issa Abdul-Mujeeb, in his sermon, called for a collective mindset reform and the necessity of prayer for a better Nigeria.
He highlighted the achievements of the country’s founding fathers in establishing a thriving nation and expressed hope for a similar transformation today.
He warned that continued negativity could doom future generations to greater hardships, drawing parallels to Saudi Arabia’s remarkable turnaround, which was achieved through prayer and visionary leadership.
Imam Sahid Ahmad urged citizens to uphold righteousness and faith in Allah as the means to effect positive change.
“At 64, Nigerians must keep the faith, act justly, and remain hopeful. It is through these actions that Allah will ease their fears and fulfill His promises,” he said, referencing the Holy Quran: “If the people maintain their faith and adhere to the righteous path, then all their perceived difficulties will transform into peace and tranquility.”
