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Our future, our destiny
Monday, October 01, 2007
Being Text of an Address by His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Garkuwan Doma), Executive Governor of Nasarawa State at the Celebrations Marking the 47th Independence of Nigeria and 11th Anniversary of the Creation of Nasarawa State at the Lafia Stadium, Monday, October 1, 2007.
PROTOCOLS
It is gratifying to note that we are all gathered here today, in such a colourful and dignifying manner, to celebrate this event marking the 47th Independence Anniversary of our country Nigeria, and the 11th Anniversary of the creation of Nasarawa State.
2. My dear compatriots, permit me to commence this address by specially congratulating His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my colleagues, the Governors of the other 35 States of the federation and indeed all Nigerians on this very momentous anniversary.
3. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the first independence anniversary to be celebrated under the current democratically elected Administration. We therefore, have every reason to express gratitude to God for sparing our lives to be part of this historic occasion.
4. Yes, our country has peacefully and successfully transited from one democratic Administration to another, contrary to apprehensions in some quarters. Permit me therefore to applaud all Nigerians for standing firm in the defence of democratic ideals in our country.
5. Our journey as an independent nation has not been an easy one. At various stages, the unity and the cohesion of our country were severely threatened and tested through a combination of unhealthy personal ambition, suspicion and the inter-play of primordial fears. However, the forces of unity in our country have always triumphed over the forces of disunity. This occasion therefore calls for all Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and love for the nation. Let us celebrate this day with the knowledge that the challenges of nation-building lie ahead of us and that we need to make more sacrifices for the sake of our collective goal.
6. Ladies and Gentlemen, just a little over four months ago, Nigerians witnessed the emergence of new democratic leaders at the national and state levels. This occasion avails me another opportunity to reiterate our total and absolute support to the development programmes and policies of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mr. President has demonstrated exemplary leadership, courage and commitment to the unity, greatness and integrity of our nation. We commend Mr. President and fully support the Vision 2020 Action Plan, which is aimed at making Nigeria one of the top 20 economies in the world by the year 2020.
7. My dear people of Nasarawa State, by coincidence of history, the 1st of October every year is also the anniversary of the creation of Nasarawa State. Eleven years ago, God in His infinite mercies answered our prayers for a state of our own, and Nasarawa State was born. Let me, therefore, once again congratulate you all, on this occasion of the 11th anniversary of the creation of our dear State.
8. Perhaps at this juncture, we need to be reminded that many patriotic individuals and groups played various roles in the struggle for the creation of Nasarawa State. Some of these heroes are no longer with us. We must therefore continue to pay tribute to these founding fathers and remember the sacrifices that they have made for our sake and for the sake of generations yet unborn. We are also grateful to those of us who were privileged to see the birth of our beloved state and are still active players in shaping its destiny.
9. At an occasion like this, it is important for us to pause and reflect on what motivated us to seek a political and administrative entity of our own. We sought for a state because we wanted to have the opportunity to develop according to our peculiar needs. We were in need of accelerated socio-economic development. Today we are delighted to be on our path to achieving that dream.
10. My dear brothers and sisters, on the 29th of May this year, it pleased God to give me the mantle of leadership of Nasarawa State. My task and vision in this assignment is to provide exemplary and accountable leadership that will move the state to greater heights. I trust that I can always count on your support and understanding in this endeavour.
11. You may recall that at my inauguration, I addressed you on the need to be focussed in our struggle for progress and development. I said then, and let me repeat now, that "our target is a better Nasarawa State for all". In order to achieve this, we must keep our focus sharp on development, our minds active on good ideas and our hands busy with work. Together we can achieve and together we can make Nasarawa great.
12. Consequently, this Administration has outlined priority areas consistent with our desire to serve and uplift the economic fortunes of our people. They include Security, Agriculture, Education, Health, Tourism, Urban and Rural Development, Industrialization, Economic Empowerment, Public Service Reorganisation, Solid Mineral Exploitation, Housing and Cultural Reorientation. I assure that we will spare no resources in our determination to achieve this goal.
13. As you are all aware, elections into Local Government Councils are at the corner. While it is a legitimate right of individuals to seek elections into various offices, it is my duty to call on all of us to guard the sanctity of democracy during these elections. In all democratic elections where there is more than one candidate, there is bound to be a winner and a loser. I urge all those who seek elective positions to avoid doing anything that will threaten the security of the state. Democracy will only thrive if we all abide by the rule of law.
14. In conclusion, I would like to call on all our people to mark this anniversary of our Country's independence as well as the 11th anniversary of the creation of our state in a reflective manner. We still have some distance to go in the journey to the promised land.
15. May the Almighty Allah be with us and guide us aright at all times.
16. Thank you and God Bless.
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