By Chris Chimezie
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has called for change in the way Nigerians over-depend on the efforts of other countries.

The Governor made this known during the 58th Independence Anniversary celebrations held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade Ground in Akure.

While stressing that the present administration views the issue of self-reliance very seriously, he commended the Federal Government for its efforts at social re-engineering.

He described Nigeria as a geo-political space, peopled by resilient, creative and energetic beings, which continued to defy all negative predictions of collapse and disintegration despite serious challenges.

Akeredolu added that the journey may have been tortuous and ardous, but there was no denying the fact that significant strides had been taken towards greatness.

“Our very existence as a country up till this moment, despite all odds, affirms our result to proceed on the march towards nationhood and development,” he said.

The Governor further hinted that Nigeria, under President Muhammadu Buhari had witnessed courageous steps taken towards the implementation of economic policies to achieve self-reliance.

“The socio-economic policies of the administration at the centre have generated positive growth.

“The political terrain is also witnessing interesting times. It is my fervent belief that all these happenings will deepen our desire to encourage popular participation,” he said.

Arakunrin Akeredolu,  congratulated people of the state for their trust and understanding in the face of challenges occasioned by paucity of funds to execute projects for their well-being.

“We acknowledge their support in spite of the current economic adversity caused by several years of neglect. We are committed to ensuring that their interest remains the primary focus of the government.

“We also appreciate workers in the state for their cooperation and their understanding. We promise not to be distracted.  Politics, to us, is a call to service and we will continue to ensure that we give our best at all times.  Our people deserve quality representation”, he said.

Some of the primary, secondary and various associations who participated in the march-past include: SUBEB Model School, St John’s Caring Heart Mega Primary School, St Luke’s Anglican Primary School and Alagbaka Estate Primary School all in Akure.

Others are: Aquinas College, Akure, Imade College, Owo, Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, Fiwasaye Girl’s Grammar School, Akure, St Louis Grammar School, Akure, Comprehensive High School, Igbobini, OlaOluwa Grammar School, Iju, Anglican Grammar School, Igbaraoke and other schools who represented their local governments.

Also, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Concrete Block Makers Association, FOWOSO members and members of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists took part in the exercise.

At the ceremony were: wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Deputy Governor, Hon Agboola Ajayi, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Bamidele Oleyeloogun, Chief Judge, Justice Olutoyin Akeredolu, Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale and other members of the State Executive Council and others.