Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said Nigerians must not forget the country’s democracy heroes.  

Mr Aiyedatiwa stated this on Sunday at a thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, held at Chapel of the Annunciation, Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Oke-Emeso, in Akure, the state capital. 

The governor stated that the heroes, who laid down their lives, paved the way for the current democracy being enjoyed in the country. 

He noted that Nigeria’s independence was beyond the symbolic lowering and raising of flags, describing it as a reminder of unity, responsibility, and sacrifice. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa said, “We must not forget the sacrifices of our heroes who laid down their lives so that we may inherit a free and united Nigeria. Independence is more than the lowering of one flag and the raising of another. It is a constant reminder of freedom, responsibility, and nationhood.’’

Recalling Nigeria’s survival of civil war, ethnic and religious crises, economic downturns, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Aiyedatiwa said thanksgiving was inevitable. 

The governor, who quoted Psalms 124, stated “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, then they had swallowed us up quick. 

He said, “Truly, if not for God, there would not have been any entity called Nigeria. Thanksgiving is not only for what God has done but for what He will yet do.”

He pledged that no part of the state would be left out in his administration’s development plans, reaffirming his commitment to inclusive growth and enhanced security.

“In the last several months, much has been achieved, yet I stand before you to humbly say that we are only just beginning. By God’s grace, we shall not relent until every community in the state can feel the touch of development,” the governor said.

He commended the church for its role in peace and morality, hailing President Bola Tinubu for what he described as revolutionary reforms and infrastructural development.

He added, “We are very proud of the exemplary leadership of the President. It is our collective duty to support him and remain loyal to his Renewed Hope Agenda.’’

Earlier in his sermon, Chairman of the Board of Vining College and Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese, Joseph Olusola, called on Nigerians to embrace repentance, unity and a return to God.

The cleric said, “There must be a national moral divide, and the new belief must begin with repentance and with everyone returning to God. Nigerians must be able to sleep without fear and travel without anxiety. The new thing must mean honest management of our resources, industrial growth, and an economy that works for all. Our young people are the future of this nation. God’s new thing must empower our youths with education, innovation, jobs, and government leadership.’’