By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Sunday delivered a powerful call to action, urging all Nigerians to brace for the hard sacrifices needed to forge a nation that matches their deepest aspirations.
Speaking at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, the Governor charged present and future generations to embody sacrifice, courage, patriotism and unyielding resilience.
Paying glowing tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for the blood, sweat and vision that secured independence, Oborevwori insisted that true love for the country must now be shown through fervent prayers for its peace and prosperity.
He stressed that the Church’s ceaseless intercession remains a vital force for national progress. “Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends,” he declared. “I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint.”
Turning to those in authority, the Governor delivered a stern reminder: public office is a sacred trust, not a private inheritance. “At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.
“Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family.”
He warned that every public official will one day give a full account of their stewardship before God, and therefore must discharge their duties with integrity and an unwavering commitment to the common good.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Oborevwori called for profound gratitude to God. He hailed the nation’s steady advance, especially in democratic governance. “On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting.”
Quoting Jeremiah 29:7, he reminded the congregation that the Church has a divine duty to “seek the peace of the city” and pray for it, because the peace and security of every individual rest on the peace of the nation. He credited the relative peace enjoyed in Delta State to the combined efforts of Traditional Rulers, Presidents-General, Community Leaders and other stakeholders—plus the wisdom granted by God.
Earlier, Presiding Pastor Samuel Johns of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, challenged Nigerians to remain fiercely committed to the nation. Nation-building, he said, demands faith, patriotism and collective responsibility. Johns expressed strong optimism that Nigeria is experiencing a national awakening that will unlock its vast potential and restore its rightful place among the comity of nations.
He listed civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as the non-negotiable duties of every citizen, insisting that no nation ever rises to greatness by accident.
Using Governor Oborevwori as a point of contact, Pastor Johns prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for leaders at every level so they may manage the nation’s resources responsibly and serve the common good.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other members of the Assembly; Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, Elder Moses Iduh; top government functionaries and traditional rulers, among others.
