Fashola Celebrates Nigeria at 54, Urges Greater Commitment To Nation Building

Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Wednesday urged Nigerians to demonstrate greater commitment to the development of the country and be irrevocably committed to its peace and unity.

The governor made the appeal at a rally held by the state to mark Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary.

The event held at the Police College, Ikeja.
He said that the various challenges confronting the nation would be easily surmounted if its citizens would resolve to work for the country `s progress.

The governor also advised Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of national service and pride that were symbolic of the good old days of the nation’s history.

Fashola noted that the excitement that characterised past National Day celebrations had waned into mere ritual, saying that the good old days could be restored if Nigerians would change their attitudes.

“In the past, National Days were celebrated with great excitement.

“It was the day political baton changed from one hand to the other. Everybody looked forward to such a celebration.

“In recent years, however, the celebration has waned to a mere ritual.

“It is just another work-free or school-free day with little celebration or importance attached to it. This should not be so.

“In some countries, national days are celebrated with fanfare.

“We should begin to celebrate the nation`s independence with the passion of the past. We should revive the old patriotic zeal,’’ he urged.

Fashola called on Nigerians to believe in the Nigerian project.
On the successful containment of the Ebola virus disease in the country, Fashola said that it proved that the country was not all about negativity.

Fashola commended health workers and all those who made sacrifices to contain the virus, saying that they exhibited commitment to national development.

He said that the state government introduced the “Spirit of Lagos’’ project to encourage residents to imbibe the right values and attitudes.

The governor said that the project was aimed at building a better state and country.

The governor urged the state residents to collaborate with the state government to further develop the state by paying their taxes.

He urged them to be law-abiding and shun acts that could undermine the state`s development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration included a parade of colour as school children and personnel of para-military organizations participated in a march past.

Traditional rulers, market women and men, members of the different unions in the state also attended the occasion. (NAN)