Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, have urged Nigerians to embrace unity, honesty and integrity to foster national development.
They spoke separately on Sunday during a Special Thanksgiving Mass at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to mark Nigeria’s upcoming 66th Independence anniversary.
In a message during the mass, Uzodimma said Nigeria’s survival through the civil war, military rule and economic crises had been sustained by the sacrifices of millions of patriotic citizens.
“Nigeria, at 66, is our country. It belongs to all of us,” Uzodimma said.
He charged Nigerians to contribute actively to nation-building through responsible conduct.
The governor acknowledged the current economic challenges in the country, saying the government must ensure that citizens’ sacrifices translated into meaningful improvements in their standard of living.
Uzodimma also urged Nigerians to shun dishonesty, stressing that leadership and moral accountability must begin at the family, community and church levels.
Earlier in his homily, Ugorji identified corruption, insecurity, poverty and energy deficit as major obstacles to the country’s growth.
He, however, commended the Uzodimma administration’s strides in infrastructure and electricity generation through the Orashi Power Project.
Quoting Proverbs 14:34, Ugorji said: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
“If we want a new Nigeria, we must become new Nigerians,” the cleric said.
He called for an end to ethnic and religious divisions in the country.
