Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerians to complement their prayers for the country with responsible citizenship and practical action as the nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Sunday during an interdenominational service held in Lagos to commemorate the anniversary.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said Nigeria had the human and natural resources needed to overcome its challenges and build a stronger future.
He urged citizens to contribute to national development through honest work, responsibility, excellence and commitment to the common good.
Sanwo-Olu said the anniversary should serve as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence while renewing their commitment to its progress.
He identified hope, healing and revival as important elements in the country’s renewal and said citizens should remain confident in Nigeria’s future despite past challenges.
The governor noted investments in transport infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, enterprise and environmental sustainability in Lagos as areas where collective effort could produce tangible results.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said: "We are blessed with a youthful and energetic population, immense human capacity, abundant natural resources, creativity, enterprise and a resilience that has repeatedly enabled Nigerians to overcome difficult circumstances as we continue to build, create, innovate and serve.
"Today is more than a celebration of independence. It is a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed faith in the Nigerian project. Sixty-six years ago, Nigeria embarked on the journey of self-government with great expectations and enormous possibilities. Over the decades, we have experienced moments of triumph and moments of trial; seasons of progress and seasons that have tested our national resolve. Yet, through it all, Nigeria has endured. And because Nigeria has endured, Nigeria will rise again.
"This is why the theme of this service, "A Nation of Hope, Healing and Revival," speaks so powerfully to our national moment. Hope is the conviction that our present circumstances do not have the final word.
"Here in Lagos, we have seen what is possible when determination, innovation and collective purpose come together. From expanding our transport infrastructure and investing in education and healthcare, to strengthening security, supporting enterprise and building a cleaner, more sustainable city, we are steadily laying the foundations for the Lagos we aspire to leave for future generations.
"And we are not stopping. We will continue to build, innovate and invest in our people—because a greater Lagos and a greater Nigeria are both possible. We shall build the Nigeria we pray for through honest work, responsible citizenship, excellence, compassion and a renewed commitment to the common good.
"We shall raise a generation that understands that leadership is a responsibility, citizenship is a duty, and success is best measured not only by what we acquire, but by what we contribute."
He also called on churches and other citizens to play their part in national renewal, stressing that leadership should be regarded as a responsibility and citizenship as a duty.
"As people of faith, we must continue to pray for Nigeria—but our prayers must also produce action. Let our prayers make us better citizens in all spheres of life.
"On this 66th Independence Anniversary, our prayer is simple but profound: 'There shall be a new Nigeria.' This decree we all must make. We'll see the nation of our dream as we commit to prayers: New Nigeria, New Nigeria, I see. Our story is changing for good. A great nation shall be born. May God heal and prosper our land."
Sanwo-Olu said Nigeria’s diversity should be used as a source of strength rather than division and urged citizens to remain united in pursuit of a common national future.
He expressed confidence that a country where children have opportunities to fulfil their potential could be built through faith, hope and collective commitment.
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