Nigeria @ 63: Niger Gov, CAN urge Nigerians to focus on unity
… As Christians Converge, Pray for Nigeria, Niger

Niger state Governor, Hon. Umar Bago has called on Nigerlites to focus more on what unite us as a nation than what may divide us.

Governor Bago who was represented by the Commissioner for Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Elizabeth Shaba at the 63rd Independence Day prayer session organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state Chapter at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Minna said his administration will do everything to ensure rapid development.

According to him “as a state, we will do all we can to ensure we achieve our set goals. But we must focus on our unity as a people. “

Earlier in his welcome address, State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna pray God to continue to “keep us as one indivisible entity where peace, justice, equity and fairness will take the center stage”.

Speaking on what he tagged “let us focus on what unites us more as a people”, Most Rev. Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese tasked Christians irrespective of their denomination to embrace unity.

According to him “let us remain supportive in our individual and collective efforts towards nation-building to move our country forward, to propagate unity irrespective of our political, religious and ethnic divides, and to rally round our Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago who has so far shown commitment and resilience to revamp our beloved State.

“Despite all the challenges, we have all reasons to thank God for His mercy and kindness to us a people.

“As Christians we must pray for our nation and for those in authority (our leaders).

“And as we pray and intercede for our nation, I advocate the need for us to reflect more on what unites us as a people rather than what divides us. The oneness of Nigeria remains more advantageous despite the challenges we are facing as a nation”.

He further charged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to have a deeper and sober reflection on what the Nation has gone through in the past decades, saying “I am sure we will have more reasons to thank God”.

Furthermore, he urged on Governor Bago to remain resolute in ensuring that the State experiences the unprecedented transformation especially in the area of security of lives and property.

“Focus on your plan to expand the state’s economy through strategic partnership in order to curb the activities of criminals in the State”, Bishop Yohanna added.

Highlights of the celebration was the prayer session for Nigeria and Niger state in particular.