By Suleiman Yakubu

The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohana, has advocated for the need for Nigerians to reflect more on the unity of the country than what divides us as a nation.
Addressing the congregation at a church service to mark Nigeria's 63rd Independence Anniversary, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Minna, he noted that the independence day celebration should have a deeper and sober reflection on what the nation has gone through in the past decades.
He stated that Nigerians should remain supportive as individuals and collectively towards nation-building in order to move the country forward, to propagate unity regardless of our political, religious, and ethnic divides, and to rally around our Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, who has so far shown commitment and resilience to revamp our beloved state.
He called on the governor to remain resolute in ensuring that the people of the state experience unprecedented transformation, particularly in the area of security of lives and property, and also expand the state's economy through strategic partnerships in order to curb the activities of criminals in the state.
While congratulating the citizens, the CAN chairman prayed to the Almighty God to continue to keep "us as one indivisible entity where peace, justice, equity, and fairness will take centre stage."
According to the chairman, despite all the challenges, we have all reasons to thank God for his mercy and kindness to us as a people, adding that "we gathered here today because of our dear country".
Rev. Bulus observed that as Christians, they must live in submission to the human authorities in government, stressing that every government has been established by God for His own purposes.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, has urged Nigerlites to continue to persevere and remain hopeful for a better Nigeria.
The governor stated this during the 63rd Independence Anniversary celebration of Nigeria, organised by the state government and held at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, on Sunday.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, said, just like the theme for this year's celebration, which is "Hope, Unity, and Prosperity", we should not lose hope in the present administration.
"When you hear somebody say hope, it means there are things that are yet to be done. We should keep up our hope; we should be resilient; we should be hopeful that things will get better," said the governor.
He added that the government was not unaware of the situation of the country, especially for the common man, but that it should not make us lose hope in the government, assuring that things will get better.
The governor observed that there was no alternative to unity, saying it is only when there is unity that there will be peace and the prosperity we are yearning for.
"If there is no unity, there won't be peace. If there is no unity, the prosperity we are yearning for will not come. Therefore, I want us to unite and ensure we get things better in the country and Niger State in particular," the governor explained.
He disclosed that we have every reason to celebrate Nigeria at 63 because, if for nothing, "we need to appreciate God for coming this far together despite our diversity".
Similarly, in their separate remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman Gawu, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, said there was every reason to celebrate Nigeria's independence.
They observed that despite all the challenges the country was battling with, Nigeria continued to stand tall, and it calls for celebration even though the glamour that used to come with the celebration has been lost along the line.
They urged Nigerians and Nigerlites to be patient and endure the present situation, saying that with the support of all stakeholders, the present challenges are surmountable and Nigeria and Niger State will be peaceful and more united again, just like when we first became independent.
Highlights of the event were a ceremonial parade by officers of the Nigeria Police and the Niger State Command.