By Gift Oba

Copyright dailypost

As Nigerians commemorate the country’s 65th anniversary of independence, the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has asserted that the true measure of freedom lies in how it is used to serve, to build, and to bless others. The governor made the assertion on Sunday during the Interdenominational Church Service to mark the 65th National Day Celebration of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta. According to him, the celebration should inspire all and reaffirm their unwavering belief that Nigeria’s best days are still to come. Governor Abiodun stated that the country’s founding fathers envisioned a society where everyone has equal access to opportunities, no one is oppressed, and the wealth of the land is distributed fairly, affirming that this is achievable if all uphold the values of patriotism, integrity, service, and shared responsibility. Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said Nigerians must summon the courage to move beyond despair into a future bright with possibilities, noting that the assembly was to affirm the nation’s gratitude to God whilst recognizing the blessings we have received, the struggles we have overcome, and the boundless potential that lies ahead. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to nation-building through bold socio-economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to him, has set the tone for Nigeria’s greatness and is already attracting investors, stabilizing the country’s currency, and laying the foundation for inclusive prosperity. Abiodun maintained that unity has been the cornerstone of his administration and has formed the basis of its progress in the state, considering it steadfastly aligns with the president’s vision through people-centered governance, pointing out that it has made notable strides in infrastructure, health care, education, and youth empowerment. “Sustainable nation-building thrives on dialogue, understanding, and harmonious co-existence,” the governor said, urging all to cast their eyes to the horizon with a view of seeing a glorious future as they reflect on six and a half decades of independence. In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Awori Anglican Diocese, Rev. Johnson Akintomide, speaking on the theme “A New Nigeria Is Possible, the Time Is Now”, said the gathering of the saints signifies hope, gratitude, and prayer to God who made the 65th celebration possible. Referencing the case of the Israelites when they were in captivity in the wilderness before God delivered them as recorded in Isaiah 43, Rev. Akintomide noted that Nigeria, for some time, has been in the captivity of hardship, hunger, injustice, drug abuse, insecurity, political instability, corruption, amongst others, praying that today, God will deliver the country. He emphasised that human cooperation with God, rejection of corruption, shunning of tribalism, and a cessation of cursing and blaming the government are all necessary for national development, urging Nigerians not to dwell on the past, saying God is ready to do new things in the country. Prayers were also said for the nation, Ogun State, political leaders, as well as traditional and spiritual institutions alongside their leaders.