Ambode urges patriotism, selfless service, others at Independence

LAGOS State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode,
on Wednesday urged Nigerians on the values
of patriotism and selfless service as the
country marks 55th independence
anniversary.
Ambode, in his congratulatory message, said
the commemoration must not be lost on
anyone, but should be another opportunity for
Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the pride
and service of the nation as exemplified by the
founding fathers.
He said there was need to rekindle the flame
that ignited the determination of the founding
fathers to fight for and obtain independence,
coupled with the pride they had in serving the
country. He there was no better time than
now to reawaken the waning glory of the
nation.
According to him, “You would recall that
Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa, had on that memorable day,
55 years ago, in his Independence
Anniversary speech, admonished everyone to
dedicate their life and service to our country.
This, for me is the springboard that can help
us return to our glorious past that the likes of
Pa Anthony Enahoro, Chief Obafemi Awolowo,
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Herbert Macaulay
and a host of others helped to build in their
time,” the governor said.
Ambode described the recent 2015 elections as
the period that handed Nigeria a lifeline to put
her back on track and reclaim its waning
glory as the giant of Africa. He, therefore,
urged all Nigerians irrespective of party
affiliation, religious belief or ethnic leaning to
join hands with the government of the day to
salvage the nation.
He also called on Nigerians to support the
ongoing efforts by President Muhammadu
Buhari’s administration to rebuild the nation’s
foundation, saying such efforts could not be
left to the government alone.
He expressed optimism that the Buhari
administration would succeed in its quest to
reduce the rate of poverty, fight corruption,
change the economic fortunes and stem the
tide of insecurity in the country especially in
North East Nigeria, saying it would however
require all hands to be on deck