The Okere of Sakiland, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, has called on Nigerians to sustain the virtues of unity, patience and mutual understanding, urging them to remain steadfast and hopeful in the face of the challenges confronting the nation.
The monarch made the call in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to newsmen to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, in which he urged citizens to reflect soberly on the country’s journey since independence and recommit themselves to the ideals of peace, national cohesion and sustainable development.
He said the nation’s advancement could not be achieved through the efforts of government alone, stressing that the collective commitment of citizens, political leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders remained indispensable to the attainment of a more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
While commending Nigerians for their resilience, sacrifices and perseverance amid the prevailing socio-economic challenges, the monarch urged citizens to remain constructive and supportive of genuine efforts aimed at strengthening the economy, enhancing national security and expanding opportunities for the people.
He said, “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must continue to work together to build a country where peace, justice, security and prosperity are accessible to all.
“Independence Day should remind us of our shared identity and the responsibility we have towards one another. Whatever our differences, we must continue to promote unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.”
The Okere further charged the people of Sakiland to preserve the peace, unity and communal harmony for which the ancient town is renowned, urging traditional rulers, religious institutions, political actors, youths and other stakeholders to subordinate personal interests and differences to the collective good of the community.
He particularly underscored the pivotal role of youths in the socio-economic transformation of Sakiland, admonishing them to shun acts capable of undermining peace and communal stability and instead avail themselves of legitimate opportunities through which they could contribute meaningfully to the development of the community.
The monarch maintained that the preservation of peace remained a collective responsibility, noting that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of security, tolerance and harmonious coexistence.
He congratulated Nigerians on the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence and prayed for enduring peace, political stability, economic prosperity and accelerated development across the federation.
The monarch also offered prayers for continued peace and progress in Sakiland and Oyo State, while seeking divine guidance, protection and wisdom for the nation’s leaders and the entire Nigerian populace.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful, meaningful and memorable Independence Day celebration.