Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has called for a peaceful co-existence among the followers of the major religions.
The governor also advised ordinary Nigerians to strengthen the unity among various groups across the country to enhance national development.
He said Nigeria would overcome its difficulties and become stronger and more prosperous.
Obiano spoke at a special church service at St. Faith Anglican Cathedral in Awka, the state capital, on Nigeria’s 54th Independence anniversary.
The governor, who read the first lesson, said peace was imperative to sustain the nation’s progress.
He added that the progress Anambra State had witnessed in various sectors, especially since the restoration of tight security, had stabilised the state.
Obiano said his administration would always support and collaborate with religious bodies to promote inter-religious harmony.
The governor also promised to work with elders of the various religious denominations to rebuild moral rectitude and understanding among the faithful.
He said: “I will soon host the association of knights of the various denominations, including the Anglicans and Catholics, as part of our continuous engagement and collaboration at promoting peace and mutual co-existence in Anambra.”
Obiano explained that his administration’s Wheels of Development, which is hinged on the four pillars of Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Oil & Gas and Industrialisation, was creating jobs and wealth for the residents.
The governor said the state was targeting $1.9 billion investments before the end of the year.
He said other areas of development, including education, had recorded steady growth, with students coming out in flying colours in internal and external examinations.
The governor called for a collective effort to sustain the tempo of progress in the state.
Obiano said Nigeria had become the largest economy in Africa, adding that it would grow better and realise the nation’s dreams.
The governor noted that if the government could tackle insurgency and sustain various transformation programmes, Nigeria would take its rightful place among the comity of nations.
The Anglican Bishop of Awka, Rev. Alexander Ibezim, called for proactive measures to tackle corruption and mass poverty.
The cleric urged the government to implement programmes that would empower youths and discourage materialism among them.
He said Nigeria needed pious leaders, who would stand on the truth and uphold the rule of the law.
Rev Ibezim hailed Obiano for ridding the state of criminals and attracting investments, adding that stakeholders should support him to give Awka a befitting status.
Dignitaries at the service included the State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA), Mr. Sule Momodu; President, Ohaneze Worldwide, Garry Nnachi Enwo Igariwey, among others
