By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State on Sunday joined thousands of celebrants to mark Nigeria's 64th Independence Day Service at the St Faith Cathedral Church, Awka.

The Independence Day Service, also known as the Interdenominational Church Service, is an annual event that brings together Nigerians of all faiths to pray for the country.

The event featured hymns, prayers, and exhortations from religious leaders and the choir.

Soludi in his remarks thanked the organizers of the event, even as he harped on the need for continued prayers for the nation and its leaders.

He said: "Today's service is a reminder that we are first and foremost citizens of Nigeria, and we all have a role to play in building a strong and prosperous nation. Let us continue to pray for our leaders and the country at large," he said.

"Today is Thanksgiving in commemoration of Nigeria as a sovereign nation. Your Grace, I appreciate your message. It is very well taken. We have important take homes.

"You admonished us that we had a glorious past before crude oil came. The message that Nigeria will be better or not depends on us. It is based on this that I bring you a message of collective responsibility.

"Yearly, it appears that Nigeria's past is always glorious than our today."

While urging the congregation to join hands in saving Nigeria, "Let's save Nigeria, so Nigeria won't die.

"It is good to complain but better to do something about a bad situation. If you are living in an underdeveloped country, you must be multi-tasking - get a farm or something else."

The governor further called on the clergy to use the power of the pulpit to mobilize the people to action, saying: ?On this 64th anniversary, we must emphasize that as government, here on earth, we must all do the work of God.?

He also used the occasion to reel out his administration's achievements and assured them of his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people of the state.

Soludo recalled that his government recently announced free education policy for senior secondary students in public schools as well as the commencement of the minimum wage by October.

"Last Thursday at the Dora Akunyili Women's Development Centre, we announced that by October, we will start paying the minimum wage in Anambra. We also announced the extension of free qualitative education to senior secondary students in public schools in Anambra state.

"For too long, government has not paid attention to the poor. We are doing so to leave no one behind. We will also continue to subsidize returned mission schools.

"It costs us over 1 billion naira, monthly. It helps the church in moderating the money they charge in their own schools.

"We are also working to ensure that 77 communities in Anambra who don't have public schools do so. We are now working to ensure that our children must have a choice. It happened in the 70s, but we must go back to it", he added.

Earlier in his message, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim reminded attendees of the significance of Nigeria's Independence and the need for unity and love for one another.

Archbishop Ibezim urged Nigerians to eschew hatred, nepotism, and tribalism.

"This year's Interdenominational Church Service is an opportunity for us to come together as a nation and pray for our country, especially our dear state of Anambra.

"It is a privilege for the church to celebrate Independence service in the church.

"Nigeria was formerly good until something happened. Presently, there is no middle class in Nigeria.

"You must understand that there is a lot of suffering and slavery in the land, but God gave hope, despite the situation.

"God specially trained Moses for such hard times. To lead well, every leader must emulate the life of Moses.

"Leaders should always give the message of hope and possibility of change and survival of the people.

"The people you are leading are not animals. We must show the people that tomorrow must be better; both the national and state governments.

"Truth is that it is better to live in Nigeria than live outside the country. True and responsible leaders with conscience lead during difficult times,? he said.

He reminded the congregation that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach, calling on them to walk in righteousness.

The 64th Independence Day Service ended with the National Pledge, with attendees departing amid a glorious hope that Nigeria would become a great nation in the near future, with the Governor offering an optimistic note of saying that the state shall continue to participate in more of such life-defining events in Nigeria.

The governor arrived the venue of the service alongside his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi and members of the State Executive Council.

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