Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has urged Nigerians not to be overwhelmed by the present economic challenges bedeviling the nation.
He urged Nigerians to remain positive as “tough times don’t last while tough people do by effectively surmounting challenges facing them.”
The governor made the call at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Asaba, to mark the country’s 64th independence anniversary.
Oborevwori, who paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the country, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, adding that a new phase of prosperity, peace, unity and progress would soon envelop the country.
He said: “It goes without saying that there is hunger and despair in the land because of the high cost of living caused by inflation.
“There are not enough words to describe the pain and suffering many people are going through because of the ongoing fiscal and economic reforms.
“However, I want to say that these, too, shall come to pass. Every problem has an expiry date and this will not be an exception.
“So, I urge Deltans and residents in the state to refuse to give up. Tough times never last but tough people do.
“The situation we are in calls for creativity, innovation, determination, patience, and resilience on the part of everybody – the leaders and the governed. These are the qualities we need to stay afloat in a turbulent economy, and overcome the challenges facing us.”We should never stop praying for Nigeria, no matter the situation, because God’s will is for us to pray and we must also match our prayers with the right confession. We can pray right but if we speak wrongly, we nullify our prayers.
“We should, therefore, stop speaking negatively about our country. We should use our mouths to pray for the peace, unity and development of our country. Decision determines destiny. Once we make up our minds to speak positively about our country, we will be surprised by the results.”
While reacting to the commendation on ensuring quality projects delivery in the state, Governor Oborevwori said; “we have carefully listened to our Bishop and he said something about the quality of jobs; they know that I am ready for those who are not ready to do the right job.
“If you are given a job, you are well paid and paid as and when due and you do a substandard job, Sheriff will not take it. They know I will not take it.”
The Bishop of Asaba, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Kingsley Obuh, had, in a sermon titled “In all things, give thanks”, said it was difficult to give thanks in the current situation of the country.
He however urged Nigerians not to be discouraged, and instead, give thanks to God because “it is the will of God for all men.”
Earlier on Friday, Oborevwori called on the citizenry to continue to pray for the sustainable peace and unity of the country.
Speaking at a special Jumat service held at the Central Mosque, Cable Point, Asaba, where Moslem faithful gathered to pray for the country noted that Nigerians were passing through difficult times, expressing optimism that with prayers, the nation could overcome its current challenging situation.
The governor who was represented by the Chairman, Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Auwal Tukur, said his administration was doing its best to mitigate the hardship faced by residents of the state through the faithful implementation of its people -oriented policies and programmes in line with his MORE Agenda for Deltans.
While underscoring the importance of peace, he enjoined residents of the state to continue to promote peaceful coexistence in order to create an ambience that would stimulate the sustainable growth and development of the state.
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