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Raymond Ozoji, Awka
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra state has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to honour the first President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, by declaring every November 16, his birthday, starting from 2019, as public holiday for his contribution to the peace and development of Nigeria or he would take it upon himself to commemorate the day with the people of the state.
Obiano made the call at the 59th Independence Anniversary at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Tuesday.
Obiano, who read President Buahri’s address before the congregation, identified corruption as key problem standing on the path of progress of the country.
He called on other Nigerian philanthropists to emulate the likes of Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema; Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Innocent Chukwuma on their quest for national growth, if Nigeria must move forward.
He enjoined the people of the state to keep faith with the Nigeria project and shun divisive tendencies at all time.
Meanwhile, the spiritual leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Remmy Ezeonwuka, who also called on the President to honour Dr. Azikiwe for his patriotism, advised Nigerians to always eschew bitterness in their dealings with one another.
He equally advised Nigerians to be proud of their culture and train their children in the way of Almighty God. He said that the key problem militating against development and peace was sin which among others include hate speeches.
“We must as a nation pray and fast for God to intervene in the challenges confronting our country; that is the only way we can make progress as one Nigeria,’’ Ezeonwuka said.
Also speaking during the event, the chief of staff to governor Obiano, Hon. Premius Odili, urged Nigerian leaders to deploy available natural resources in the country to create jobs for the teeming youths and to allow the young ones between the ages of 30 and 35 to take charge of the affairs of the country, as President Buhari, Col. Gowon, Col. Ojukwu did during their youthful days.
He said that the country has been blessed with enough natural resources which if well harnessed by our leaders would create a viable economic growth for the betterment of the people.
However, the celebration was peaceful with march past by men of Nigeria Police Force, school children and other uniform organisations in the state.
