The lawmaker representing Imo North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Patrick Chiwuba Ndubueze, FNSE, on Sunday joined other dignitaries at a Special Thanksgiving and Eucharistic Service organised by the Imo State Government to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The service was held at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Senator Ndubueze was among prominent dignitaries who attended the service and was seen exchanging pleasantries with the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Dr. Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, GSGI, and other dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, and her husband, Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN; the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ijeoma Aguguo; Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu; Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi; Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu; the Dein of Agbor, HRM Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi; HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR; former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Austin Onyedelu, among others.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Governor Uzodimma reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, noting that the country had survived the Civil War, military rule, economic difficulties and various political crises.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of millions of ordinary Nigerians who, according to him, have contributed to keeping the nation together over the years. The governor urged Nigerians to embrace unity, integrity and individual responsibility as important ingredients for national development and renewal.
“Nigeria at 66 is our country. It belongs to all of us,” the governor stated, while calling on citizens to look beyond government and recognise their individual responsibilities in nation-building.
Reacting to the governor’s Independence message, Senator Ndubueze commended the emphasis on unity, responsibility and national commitment.
The Imo North Senator acknowledged the difficult economic and social circumstances confronting many Nigerians, stressing that the sacrifices being made by citizens should be matched by responsible governance and a commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
Senator Ndubueze further urged Nigerians to obey the laws of the land, shun dishonesty and uphold integrity in the management of resources and responsibilities entrusted to them.
He noted that the task of building a better Nigeria requires collective commitment, stressing that government and citizens alike have important roles to play in strengthening the nation and ensuring that the sacrifices of Nigerians translate into a more prosperous and united country.
Report By Fredrick Njoku