Nigeria @ 66-Gov Otu sues for Peace, Unity

Cross River State Governor, Sen Bassey Edet Otu, has called on Nigerians to remain committed to peace, unity, and the collective responsibility of building a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.

The Governor made the call through the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, at an Interdenominational thanksgiving Service held at the Christian Central Chapel, Ikot Eneobong, 8 Miles, Calabar, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Describing the anniversary as an opportunity to appreciate God’s faithfulness and reflect on the sacrifices of past heroes, Otu said: “Independence is more than the remembrance of a date in our history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of those who came before us and of the responsibility placed on our generation to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.”

He noted that despite the challenges Nigeria has faced since 1960, the national spirit has endured. “Nigeria has travelled a long road since 1960. Yet, through it all,
the Nigerian spirit has endured. Our people remain resilient, enterprising and deeply committed to the hope of a better country,” he said.

The Governor said his administration remained conscious of the work required to improve lives through opportunities for youths, stronger education and healthcare, support for enterprise, improved infrastructure, and increased investment. Reaffirming his People First agenda, he stated: “We will continue to work deliberately towards a state where our people can live in peace, work with dignity and look to the future with confidence. But the government cannot do this alone.”

He called for collective effort from the Church, traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society, young people, and citizens at large to advance the development of Cross River State and Nigeria.

Otu further called for prayers for wisdom for leaders, peace in communities, protection for security personnel, and comfort for struggling families. “As we pray for Nigeria today, let us pray for wisdom for our leaders at every level. Let us also pray for greater unity in our country,” he said.

On the subject of diversity, the Governor urged Nigerians to embrace their differences as a source of strength rather than division. “Our diversity should not divide us. We may come from different ethnic groups, speak different languages and practise different faiths, but we share one country and one collective destiny,” he said, calling on citizens to reject violence, uphold the rule of law, and remain hopeful and committed to nation-building.

In his sermon, titled “Using Your Past Testimonies to Unlock Your New Miracle,” the President of Christian Central Chapel International Faith Mansion World Centre, Archbishop Emma Gospel Isong, drew on Exodus 15:22–27 to recount the Israelites’ experience at Marah following their crossing of the Red Sea.

He noted that although the Israelites encountered bitter water in the wilderness, God provided a solution through Moses, transforming the water into a source of sustenance, an account, he said, that demonstrates how past testimonies can strengthen faith in difficult moments.

The Archbishop encouraged Nigerians to remember God’s faithfulness, remain hopeful, and continue praying for wisdom for leaders, peace across communities, protection for security personnel, and greater opportunities for young people. Cautioning against divisive rhetoric that castigates and criminalises leaders, he urged citizens instead to engage government through constructive, solution-oriented criticism, and to remain united, reject hatred and violence, and speak positively about Cross River State and Nigeria at all times.