The Kaduna State Government has urged Nigerians to remain patriotic, hopeful and committed to building a better country as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Governor Uba Sani made the call in a message delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Comrade Yunana Markus Barde, at an interdenominational service held at Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Kaduna.
The governor said his administration remained committed to promoting unity and development through programmes in security, healthcare, road infrastructure, agricultural support and assistance to vulnerable residents.
He noted that Nigeria had experienced both positive and difficult periods since gaining independence in 1960 but urged citizens to remain committed to building a better nation.
‘I believe in Nigeria too. This is our home, this is our nation. If we don’t do what is necessary to make the nation better, foreigners will not come and put our nation in order,’ Sani said.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and patriotic, stressing that nation-building required patience and collective effort.
‘As we enter the 65th year of Nigeria’s independence, I urge us all to continue being patriotic and be hopeful to build a Nigeria for the upcoming generation to call a country. As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. With God, all things are possible. Our labour over Nigeria will never be in vain,’ he said.
Speaking at the service, the State and Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Pastor Yakubu Kezi, said Nigeria had the potential to become a great nation.
Kezi said developed countries had achieved progress through the contributions of their citizens, adding that Nigerians must play their part in the country’s development.
‘Nobody shall develop our country from the outside. We are the ones who will develop this country ourselves. There is nothing we are looking for anywhere in the globe that is not available in this country,’ he said.
The pastor said Nigeria had abundant human and natural resources, adding that the country needed the commitment to transform them into productive assets.
He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects and commended the Kaduna State Government for infrastructure projects, particularly road construction and dualisation in Barnawa and other parts of the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Dr Ishaya Adamu Jangado, said the interfaith service reflected Kaduna’s tradition of bringing people of different faiths together to pray for the peace and progress of the state and country.
Jangado said the administration had continued to promote inclusion, unity and democratic values irrespective of religion, ethnicity or background.
He urged religious leaders and residents to support peaceful coexistence and good governance, while calling on eligible citizens to participate in the 2027 electoral process and exercise their civic responsibilities.
The service formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary in Kaduna, with prayers offered for peace, unity, stability and sustainable development.
The state government had earlier organised a special prayer at Sultan Bello Mosque, where Muslim clerics also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.