27/09/2026
Today, I had the honour of representing His Excellency, our dear Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, at the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Christian Central Chapel, Ikot Eneobong, 8-Miles, Calabar, to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary.
Delivering the Governor's message, I conveyed his call for Nigerians to remain committed to peace, unity and the collective responsibility of building a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.
"Independence is more than the remembrance of a date in our history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of those who came before us and of the responsibility placed on our generation to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit."
Nigeria has travelled a long road since 1960, but our spirit as a people has endured - resilient, enterprising, and full of hope.
His Excellency reaffirmed his People First agenda, emphasizing that government alone cannot build the Cross River and Nigeria of our dreams. It requires the collective effort of the Church, traditional institutions, private sector, civil society and every citizen. He also called for prayers for our leaders, security personnel, young people and families going through difficult times.
In his words, "Our diversity should not divide us. We may come from different ethnic groups, speak different languages and practise different faiths, but we share one country and one collective destiny."
It was a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed hope. May God continue to bless Cross River State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem
Speaker
