By danivert

Copyright thesun

Unity key to nation’s global standing – Wale Oke

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing bold reforms aimed at lasting transformation rather than temporary relief, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has emphasised.

Speaking at the Inter-denominational Church Service held at the National Ecumenical Christian Centre in Abuja on Sunday, marking the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Akume called on Nigerians to join hands with the government to propel the country forward.

The SGF highlighted that governance is not the exclusive task of leaders alone but a shared responsibility with citizens. He described Independence Day not just as a celebration of history but as a renewal of purpose—an opportunity to honor Nigeria’s founding fathers and celebrate the nation’s strength, resilience, and diversity.

Akume acknowledged that Nigeria’s challenges are deep-rooted, having spanned decades, but pledged that the current administration is determined to confront these issues head-on with enduring solutions.

He recognised that the reforms currently underway may feel tough but asserted that the sacrifices made today are paving the way for economic renewal and improvements in food security, energy, healthcare, education, employment, and infrastructure.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and constructive engagement, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient for the success of President Tinubu’s vision.

“Our challenges are real, but our resilience is greater. Nigeria has always been a land of ingenuity and determination. This is the moment to rekindle our national spirit, transform challenges into opportunities, and drive forward with hope grounded in action,” Akume declared.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our nation is undergoing bold reforms aimed not at temporary relief but at lasting transformation. The challenges we face today are deep-rooted, but this administration is determined to confront them head-on.

“The sacrifices being made by Nigerians today are paving the way for economic renewal, stronger institutions, and improved conditions across food, energy, healthcare, education, jobs, and infrastructure”, Akume said.

He called for patience and constructive engagement from citizens, adding that Nigeria’s resilience has always been greater than its challenges.

“This is the moment to rekindle our national spirit, transform challenges into opportunities, and drive forward with hope grounded in action,” the SGF declared.
Founder and Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Bishop Wale Oke, emphasised in his sermon that Nigeria has the potential to become a global power if its citizens unite with one another and their leaders.“We can be more united, better united. We can become, if you permit me, the United States of Nigeria and be a great force to be reckoned with in the nations of the world,” Bishop Oke stated.

He commended the service’s theme, “The Power of Unity in Building a Great Nation,” calling it both timely and prophetic.
Referencing Psalm 133 and Genesis 11, he highlighted that God affirms the limitless potential of a united people.

“If we as a nation, from the east, west, north, and south, recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters and unite together, there is nothing we think of doing that will be impossible,” he declared.

The service was attended by a cross-section of leaders, including President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who represented President Tinubu, First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Kikelomo Adeniyi, wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack; and Minister of State for Health, Isaq Salako.

Also present were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Controller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap; Controller-General of Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche; as well as ambassadors and high commissioners from the Philippines, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Mexico, South Sudan, and Cuba.
The Inter-denominational Church Service formed part of activities lined up for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, themed “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”