66th Independence: Mbah urges Nigerians to sustain faith, unity, commitment to nation-building

Governor of Enugu , Dr Peter Mbah, has called on Nigerians to commemorate the  country ‘s 66th Independence Anniversary with thanksgiving, renewed faith and commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation, saying the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers must inspire present and future generations.

He made the call in his speech during the Thanksgiving Mass held on Thursday, October 1,2026  in commemoration of the 66th  Nigeria’a Independence anniversary celebration which took place at the Government House chapel, Enugu.

He said  October 1st ,  should serve as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of the founding fathers of Nigeria , who secured Nigeria’s freedom, stressing that the country’s journey since independence had presented both challenges and opportunities.

The governor said there is no better way of celebrating the independence than “thanksgiving”.

 “As a government, we must live in prayer. There is no better way to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence than through thanksgiving, which calls us for rememberance.”

According to him, “October 1st is a reminder of the vision of our founding fathers, who “handed us a promise and put Nigeria in a place that has given us a future.”

Most Rev John Okoye, Catholic bishop of Awgu( middle)

The governor said Nigeria had passed through difficult periods but remained a country with enormous potential, adding that the limitations of the past could become stepping stones towards a better future.

He assured that Enugu State would remain committed to policies and programmes aimed at creating opportunities for young people and ensuring that residents, particularly children, could build their futures within the state.

Governor Mbah stressed that his  administration would continue to invest in education, strengthen the state’s economy and create an environment where young people would not be compelled to leave home in search of opportunities.

He added that government policies had already created opportunities for students to pursue their aspirations, stressing that the administration was focused on converting such opportunities into tangible benefits for the people so that the young ones will not have to be travelling out for greener pastures..

The governor called on Nigerians to continue to work with faith, honesty and dedication, while praying for peace, progress and prosperity in the country.

Earlier in a homily, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr Callistus Onaga , while speaking on the significance of the 66th Independence anniversary, said Nigeria’s independence had ended the era of colonial rule and established the country as a free and sovereign nation.

He acknowledged that the country still faced challenges, particularly economic hardship and insecurity, noting that the poor masses continued to bear the effects of some of the difficulties confronting the nation.

Bishop Onaga however, acknowledged improvements in security and infrastructure, particularly in Enugu State, describing the state as one of the peaceful states in Nigeria.

Most Rev Dr Callistus Onaga , Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese

The bishop commended the present administration in Enugu for its interventions in road infrastructure and other sectors, citing developments in areas including Enugu Air, roads, pensions and other public projects.

He also expressed optimism over ongoing developments in the state, including the stadium project, while urging Nigerians, particularly those from the South-East who had distinguished themselves nationally and internationally, to continue to contribute to the development and progress of the region and the country.

He called for continued prayers for Nigeria’s leaders and the nation, saying citizens should remain hopeful and committed to further progress.

Some citizens, Simon Okorie, Emeka Ngwu and Ada Edeh  who spoke with Newsmen said at 66 years Nigeria has done well and much is still needed. They however noted that the poverty rate in the country is rising and the government should do something to alleviate the sufferings and poverty in the country. 

They said if the government cares for the citizens , provide infrastructure , social amenities, create jobs, the citizens would no doubt  contribute positively  to nation  building. 

The Thanksgiving Mass was attended by the  Chief celebrant and the  Catholic Bishop  of Awgu Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Dr John  Okoye,  the  Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Prof Onah, represented by Rev Fr  Mathew Ezea, the  Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province,  Most Rev Sosthenes Ikechukwu Ezeh, Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev Prof Samuel Ike,  the Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese, Rt. Rev Onyia, the Bishop of Methodist church,  Most Rev Dr  Christopher Edeh.

Others are the Deputy Governor of Enugu state,Ifeanyi Ossai, former Deputy governor  of Enugu state, Hon.Mrs  Cecilia Ezeilo, the speaker , Enugu state House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC South, Dr Ben Nwoye, the Enugu state chairman of APC, Dr Martins Chukwunwike, traditional rulers, serving and current National Assembly members, members of state Executive council, Service Chiefs among