Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, have urged Nigerians to embrace unity, honesty and integrity, in order 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 celebration.

In a message during the mass, Mr Uzodimma said Nigeria’s survival through civil war, military rule, and economic crises, was sustained by the sacrifices of millions of patriotic citizens.

“Nigeria, at 66, is our country. It belongs to all of us,” Mr Uzodimma said.

He, therefore, charged Nigerians to contribute actively to nation-building through responsible conduct.

He acknowledged the current economic challenges in the country, saying that government must ensure that citizens’ sacrifices yielded meaningful improvements in their standard of living.

The governor further admonished the people to shun dishonesty, saying that leadership and moral accountability must begin at the family, community, and church levels.

Earlier in his homily, Mr Ugorji identified corruption, insecurity, poverty, and energy deficit as major obstacles to the country’s growth.

He, however, commended Mr Uzodimma’s administration’s strides in infrastructure and electricity generation through the Orashi power project.

Quoting from Proverbs 14:34, Mr 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.”

He, therefore, called for an end to ethnic and religious divisions in the country. 

(NAN)