Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to peace, unity and national development, stressing that the responsibility of building a prosperous Nigeria rests on every citizen. Governor Otu made the call through the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Christian Central Chapel, Ikot Eneobong, 8 Miles, Calabar, to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor described the anniversary as more than a celebration of Nigeria's independence, saying it was an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation's founding heroes and recommit themselves to the task of building a country worthy of future generations.
According to him, “Independence is more than the remembrance of a date in our history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of those who came before us and of the responsibility placed on our generation to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.”
Reflecting on Nigeria's journey since independence in 1960, Otu acknowledged the challenges confronting the nation but noted that the resilience, enterprise and determination of Nigerians had continued to sustain the country's hope for a better future.
“Nigeria has travelled a long road since 1960. Yet, through it all, the Nigerian spirit has endured. Our people remain resilient, enterprising and deeply committed to the hope of a better country,” he said.
The Governor said his administration remained committed to policies and programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of Cross Riverians, particularly through youth empowerment, stronger education and healthcare systems, support for enterprise, infrastructure development and increased investment. Reaffirming his administration's People First agenda, Otu said the government would continue to work deliberately towards creating a state where citizens could live peacefully, work with dignity and approach the future with confidence.
“We will continue to work deliberately towards a state where our people can live in peace, work with dignity and look to the future with confidence. But the Government cannot do this alone,” he stated. He therefore called for greater collaboration among Government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector, civil society organisations, young people and citizens, stressing that sustainable development required collective responsibility. Otu also urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the anniversary to pray for wisdom for leaders at all levels, peace in communities, protection for security personnel and comfort for families facing hardship.
“As we pray for Nigeria today, let us pray for wisdom for our leaders at every level. Let us also pray for greater unity in our country,” he said. On Nigeria's rich cultural and religious diversity, the Governor urged citizens to see their differences as a source of strength rather than division. "Our diversity should not divide us. We may come from different ethnic groups, speak different languages and practise different faiths, but we share one country and one collective destiny,” he said. He called on Nigerians to reject violence, respect the rule of law, promote peaceful coexistence and remain hopeful and committed to the task of nation-building.
In his sermon, titled “Using Your Past Testimonies to Unlock Your New Miracle,” the President of Christian Central Chapel International Faith Mansion World Centre, Archbishop Emma Gospel Isong, drew lessons from Exodus 15:22–27, recounting the experience of the Israelites at Marah after crossing the Red Sea. Archbishop Isong noted that although the Israelites encountered bitter water in the wilderness, God provided a way out through Moses, transforming their situation and turning what appeared to be a source of despair into sustenance.
He said the biblical account demonstrated the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in previous difficult circumstances as a source of strength and renewed faith when confronted with fresh challenges. The Archbishop urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, prayerful and confident in God's ability to transform difficult situations, while calling for continued prayers for the nation's leaders, peace across communities, protection for security personnel and greater opportunities for young people.
He also cautioned against divisive rhetoric and the indiscriminate criminalisation of political and public office holders, urging citizens to channel their grievances through constructive and solution-oriented criticism.
Rather than deepening divisions, Archbishop Isong encouraged Nigerians to promote unity, reject hatred and violence, and contribute positively to the development and image of Cross River State and Nigeria.
The thanksgiving service brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, members of the legislature, political stakeholders, civil servants and other citizens who joined in prayers of thanksgiving for Nigeria's 66 years of independence and the continued peace and progress of Cross River State.
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