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Governors renew pledge to speed up development in states
Governors have reaffirmed the pledge to raise their performance in line with calls by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for them to “wet the grass further”.
They use the opportunity of the Independence Day programmes and statement to convey their willingness to do more.
The President’s admonition is based on the improved revenue going to the states and councils as fallout of the removal of petrol subsidy.
From about N700 billion being shared from the Federation Account to the federation, states and council pre-May 2023, the Federation Account Allocation has risen to N2.2 trillion shared in August.
In many of the states, there were activities to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the military parade which would have been held in Abuja was cancelled in the last minute.
The only activities from the Federal Government were the broadcast by the President and his inauguration of the refurbished National Art theatre in Lagos, which was named after Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.
Ododo urged the people of Kogi to renew their love for the country and shun division.
He said: “Independence Day is more than a date on our calendar; it is a call to patriotism, to unity, and to the shared responsibility of building a nation that guarantees peace, justice, and prosperity. Our strength as a people lies in our courage to overcome challenges.”
The governor sympathised with victims of the boat accident in Ibaji Local Government, which claimed lives.
He vowed to promote people-focused policies, infrastructural renewal, healthcare reforms, educational transformation, agricultural expansion, and improved security.
Ododo added: “As patriotic citizens, let us continue to support the laudable reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose bold steps have set a template for sustainable development. As a nation, we are reaping the fruits of his courage.”
Mutfwang said the celebration offered opportunities for sober reflection, urging Nigerians to pray for peace and unity.
In a statement by his media aide, the governor paid tribute to the founding fathers for their courage, resilience, and spirit of togetherness.
Mutfwang said: “This milestone calls for sober reflection on our unity, peace, and progress. Our hope and confidence remain that God is at work in Nigeria, and despite our challenges, this nation shall be great.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau where peace, security, and prosperity will thrive.
Mutfwang promised to prioritise protection of life and property, infrastructural development, and the promotion of unity across ethnic and religious divides.
Okpebholo said actions and decisions of President Bola Tinubu is moving the country towards economic stability and growth.
He said in a broadcast that the Renewed Hope Agenda reflected the true essence of Independence.
The governor said he has remained focused on rebuilding Edo State into a land of peace, opportunity, and progress, adding that he has worked hard to make the state safer.
“We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to reposition Nigeria for greatness.
“In two years of the administration, Nigeria has been freed from the chaos of long fuel queues, and from the satanic subsidy rackets, which siphoned our national wealth and left the masses in abject poverty.
“The Renewed Hope has also expanded our economy and freed the states from having to queue for bailouts in Abuja before they could pay workers’ salaries. That era is over. We can only be grateful for these and other interventions of the Tinubu administration.”
Oborevwori urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation.
He noted that the economy has improved, emphasising the need to support President Tinubu’s reforms.
The governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’ were designed to improve the living standards of the people.
Oborevwori appealed to ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and unity, stressing that they are prerequisites for sustainable development.
Mbah urged Nigerians to be optimistic in the face of challenges, promising that the economic policies of the President Tinubu and citizens’ huge sacrifices would pay off, if the nation stays the course.
He said while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s progress as an independent nation.
Mbah said: “At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.
“The commemoration of our 65th Independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the progress we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.
“They are manifest in the remarkable achievements in key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that brought stability to the economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.”
Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.
He added: “In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.”
Fintiri described unity as Nigeria’s greatest treasure, urging Nigerians to strengthen the bond.
He said: “Like rivers that flow into one mighty stream, our differences must flow into one shared destiny,” Fintiri said, asserting that a divided Adamawa — like a divided Nigeria — cannot stand.
“As we mark this day, let us renew a sacred pledge: to make Independence matter — not in words, but in real change.”
The governor said his government has, in the last six years, executed projects to make Adamawa a better state.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, said the governor pardoned six prison inmates.
Aiyedatiwa said Nigeria is fortunate to have President Tinubu at the helm of affairs, praising his bold economic reforms and developmental agenda.
The governor spoke at the Independence celebration at the Arcade Ground in Akure, the state capital.
He said the country is making steady progress with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Aiyedatiwa said: “Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We must continue to appreciate Mr. President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering, and massive infrastructural development. Indications are that Nigeria is making progress and on the path of glory with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The governor urged Nigerians to remember the courage of the founding fathers and draw lessons from the country’s journey since 1960.
He added: “This celebration is not just about remembering a date in history. It is about reflecting on our journey as a people. Independence gave us more than self-rule – it gave us the dignity of identity, the right to dream as Nigerians, and the opportunity to chart a course for our future,” he noted.
Aiyedatiwa said his administration has remained committed to its promises under the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda, highlighting key projects, including dualisation and rehabilitation of roads, improvements in the health sector, bursaries and scholarships for indigent students, and support for security agencies.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke urged President Bola Tinubu and other political actors to respect the rule of law and obey judicial process.
He said in a statement by his media, Olawale Rasheed, that Nigeria should live to expectation as a federal state.
He described the celebration as a critical point to assess the state of national constitutional democracy, the rule of law and delivery of good governance.
The governor emphasised the need to guide and protect the foundation of national governance through full compliance with the constitution and respect for the rule of law.
He said: “We have made progress but we can move faster and better. We have recorded progress but we should continue to protect the foundation of our national existence, the constitution and its interpretation by a truly independent judiciary.
“I felicitate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians. I task the political class to strive towards true federalism. Federating units must be strengthened in the context of more devolution of powers and resources.
“I urge Osun people to remain law-abiding, calm and peaceful as the state is deploying democratic tools to advance and protect the interest of the state. We must resist the temptation to take laws into our hands.”
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani paid tribute to the founding fathers, noting that though the nation’s journey had been marked by challenges, Nigerians have demonstrated courage and hope.
He said: “Our path as a nation has been defined by resilience. Nigerians have shown capacity to endure and to hope. Together, we are overcoming. Together, we are rising.”
Highlighting Kaduna’s progress under his administration, Sani listed 85 road projects covering 785 kilometres, the reopening of key markets, and reclamation of over 500,000 hectares of farmland.
On peace building, the governor pointed to the expansion of community policing, as well as dialogue and reconciliation initiatives, aimed at strengthening security and fostering unity at the grassroots.
He reaffirmed Kaduna’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that bold national reforms were restoring prosperity and investor confidence.
Sani said: “Nigeria’s future is bright, and Kaduna’s role in that future is significant. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and indeed the entire nation.”
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the country is experiencing a rebirth, adding President Tinubu has demonstrated capacity.
He emphasised that the President’s economic blueprint reflects the needs of Nigerians and global realities of the 21st century.
Abiodun, who spoke at the celebration at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital, said Nigeria would be stronger if citizens work and cooperate with governments in the course of nation building.
He said the task of nation building is enormous, hence the need for Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, political affiliation, and social status, to work with governments to realise the objective.
Abiodun said: “The theme of the celebration, ‘All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,’ was timely and instructive for Nigeria to work together for a greater nation.”
“Building a stronger Nigeria is not the sole responsibility of the government; it is a duty for every Nigerian at home and abroad.”
The governor noted that as the gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity and transformative future, Ogun State remains a proud contributor to the nation’s project, as its history is intertwined with that of the country’s history through the activities and struggles of its forebears.
He said the celebration is a historic milestone in the life of the nation, as it afforded the people of the state an opportunity to join their compatriots here and in the diaspora to create a nation of resilience, unity, and hope.
“It is not only marking the passage of time but reaffirming the resolve to choose freedom, unity, and shared prosperity envisioned by our founding fathers,” he said.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, said the challenges facing the country are an indication that Nigeria is growing, urging Nigerians to stop complaining and start doing the right thing to take the nation to its destination.
Chief Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu said Nigeria is on the verge of overcoming its challenges, hence the need for continued prayers for the country.