By Felicia Imohimi
Abuja – Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Niger Ibrahim Ladan says the state government is celebrating the country’s Independence Day to infuse national consciousness in the citizens.
“We owe it a duty in the spirit of patriotism to commemorate this day because it will avail us the opportunity to raise awareness on its importance, especially to the younger generation that are almost losing out of its significance in our history as a nation.
“By celebrating it, we can individually and collectively contribute our quota to the development of our state and by extension, the nation,’’ he said in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, knowing the significance of the Independence Day will check youth restiveness and moral degradation among other factors that are posing a huge challenge to nation building.
“The fact that we have survived as a nation for the past 56 years in the face of overwhelming challenges and that we have finally found our voices as citizens of this great country is a great achievement,’’ he said.
He called on Nigerians to use the celebration of Independence Day to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.
“We should rally round the present administration that is focused, decisive and progressive to consolidate on the achievements we have so far recorded in the areas of provision of some basic infrastructure.
“These include good roads, resuscitating our schools, reviving the healthcare delivery system, youth and women empowerment initiatives and security, among others,’’ he said.
Edited by Kayode Olaitan