Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday called for prayers for the leaders and for Nigeria as the nation marked its 58th Independence day.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, in a goodwill message to mark the event in Asaba, said that the day called for a sober reflection.
He also said that Nigerians should be grateful to God for what the country had achieved over the years.
He said that although there were still some gaps to be filled it would require the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to build the country that everyone desired.
The governor noted that such development would create opportunities for the youth to thrive.
He charged the people of Delta to remain focused and committed to the building of the state.
He stated that his administration was committed to ensuring that the youth, women and everyone were carried along.
“Today is always remarkable time for sober reflections; it is a day for Nigerians to look back with satisfaction and gratitude for what we have been able to achieve through the efforts of successive generations.
“As we celebrate, I wish to urge the people of Delta and indeed all Nigerians to continue to pray for our leaders and for our country.
“The occasion of the country’s 58th anniversary should be used for the progress of our people, we shall continue to be our brothers’ keeper and eschew all forms of bickering,” he said.
He said that his administration through the various youth empowerment and entrepreneurial programmes had engaged no fewer than 14,000 youths and women, adding that it was also committed to bridging the infrastructure gaps in the state.
According to him, over 774.39 kilometer roads projects and 225.59 kilometer drainage projects have either been completed or nearing completion across the state.
He also lauded the people for having confidence in his administration and pledged his resolve to continue to deliver good governance for the people.
The governor used the occasion to assure those affected by flood in the state of continuous government support.
He charged the people to ensure that they collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to participate in the general elections to elect those to serve them.
In her remarks, Mrs Omatsola Williams, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, also called for prayers particularly for peaceful elections come 2019 while appreciating all for making the occasion fruitful in the state.
The occasion featured match past by the security outfits, students from various schools and cultural displays by the various tribes in the state among others.
NAN also reports that there was an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service to mark the day at the venue.
