by By Elijah Ugani – Calabar
The Chairman of Obudu local government council, Mr. Boniface Eraye Ewhe has called on the youths of Nigeria to feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation and charged the youths to exercise some restraint in their restiveness as we anticipate a better Nigeria.
Mr. Ewhe made the call in a felicitation message to mark the 60th independence celebration of our nationhood.
Find full text of the address:
“It is my great pleasure to felicitate with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, all the people of Nigeria, living in the country and abroad, in general and Obudu Local Government Area in particular, on the occasion of 60th Independence Day.
October 1st fills us with the excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations and listening to patriotic songs. School children coming out to take part in match pass, traditional dances and other forms of activities to commemorate this day.
“On this day, the youth of Nigeria should feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation. We are very appreciative and we gratefully remember our freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to live in an independent nation.
“The ethos of our freedom struggle forms the foundation of modern Nigeria. Our visionary leaders brought together a diversity of world views to forge a common national spirit. They were committed to the cause of liberating Nigeria from oppressive foreign rule and securing the future of her children. Their thoughts and actions shaped the identity of Nigeria as a modern nation.
“The celebrations of Independence Day this year will be rather restrained. The reason is obvious. The whole world confronts a deadly virus which has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll. It has altered the world we lived in before the pandemic.
“It is a fact that after 60 years of independence, there is still much to be done as we attempt a comparison with other countries. However, be rest assured that we are in the trajectory to mend our paths.
“As Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, I want to reassure my people of my commitment to the ideals of genuine stewardship and providing the needed basic needs in line with the available resources.
“Let us not loose hope in our country. Let me also use this opportunity to call on all sons and daughters of Obudu to consider making our contributions to guarantee the Obudu of our dream.
“It is my honor also to use this opportunity to call on the youths of Obudu in particular and the country at large to exercise restraint in their restiveness, while as leaders, we are charged to live up to our responsibilities by providing the leadership we yearn for.
“Once again, congratulations!
Long live federal Republic of Nigeria
Long live Cross River State
Long live Obudu local government area.
“Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe
Executive Chairman,
Obudu Local Government Council”.
