By Ishola Michael

Copyright tribuneonlineng

As Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, state governors across the federation called for national renewal anchored on unity, patriotism, and respect for democratic values.

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for synergy between government and citizens, saying both must support each other wholeheartedly to achieve collective progress.

Speaking after inspecting a ceremonial parade at Lagos House, Marina, the governor charged Nigerians to hold fast to the ideals of resilience and patriotism, while reeling out achievements under his THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion, gender equality, youth empowerment, healthcare, and education.

ALSO READ: Tinubu’s govt has pushed over 15 million Nigerians into acute poverty in one year — Obi

“The government and people must have faith in each other so that the effort of one is supported wholeheartedly by the other.

“As a state, we are deliberate about protecting the weak and uplifting the vulnerable. No citizen should be left behind on the path to progress,” Sanwo-Olu said.

In Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke stressed the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic foundation through full compliance with the constitution and the rule of law.

In his Independence Day statement, Adeleke urged the political class to embrace true federalism, strengthen federating units, and respect judicial processes.

“We must in totality ensure compliance with the rule of law, not rule of the thumb. Nigeria must run truly as a federation where tiers of government operate with clear regulations as provided by the constitution,” he said.

He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at large, pledging Osun’s “unalloyed submission to the constitution and the rule of law” while urging citizens to remain law-abiding.

In Gombe, which also marked its 29th anniversary as a state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reflected on the state’s journey since creation in 1996, attributing its transformation to the 10-Year Development Plan (DEVAGOM).

He highlighted achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, and social welfare, noting that his administration has constructed over 900 kilometers of roads, expanded healthcare access, and disbursed over ₦25 billion in gratuities to retirees.

“In less than three decades of existence, Gombe has ushered in a new dawn defined by vision, discipline, and results,” Yahaya said.

He urged citizens to remain patient amid economic reforms, assuring that these measures would build a stronger and more prosperous future.

The Gombe governor, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, prayed for peace, stability, and continued growth in Nigeria, calling on citizens to celebrate with gratitude while recommitting themselves to unity and national progress.