Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 56th independence anniversary, describing it as “56 years of challenges and triumphs.”

The Governor in a statement issued on Saturday morning by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, in commemoration of the nation’s 56th independence however, urged Nigerians to remain thankful and grateful to God.

Ikpeazu urged Nigerians to continue in prayers for the country and its leaders, especially now that the country is undergoing serious socio-economic challenges.

He said: “The Federal Government has declared that our economy is in recession and it is obvious to all that we are experiencing serious economic challenges. From shortfall in the revenue accruing to the component states of the federation to other macro-economic challenges, the truth remains that these are tough times for citizens of our great nation. However, we are confident that it will not last long. This too shall pass.

“In Abia State, the economic challenges has affected our finances and by extension, our ability to meet some of our pressing needs but we are not despairing. We are supremely confident, as a people, that we have the means and the enablement to overcome the most serious of our challenges. We will look inwards, dig deep and leverage on our comparative advantages to overcome our trials.”

•Photo shows Governor Ikpeazu.

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