The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday joined other Nigerians in celebrating 57 years of nationhood, stating that this is not a time to call for division.

The governor who spoke at the Independence Day Parade held at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Sunday through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, added that it is a time to uphold what has united the people in peace and love.

“It is a time for each and every one of us to rise against the ills that have for long, not only undermined our progress but also our ability to harness our potentials as a people to live decent life”, he stressed.

He explained that at this time last year, the country was faced with the challenge of economic recession but that today the people celebrated the fact that the nation was on the path of recovery, stating that what was required of everyone at this time was to remain united, confident and hopeful.

“In spite of all the challenges we faced and still continue to face as a nation, we have remained resolute to keep alive the dreams of our founding fathers”, the governor said.

He said as it was becoming clearer by the day that the present system was not the best and might not guarantee the future the people desired and that the government must take necessary steps to activate the process for the restructuring of the present system with a view of adopting a proactive system.

He emphasised that there was need for the government to put in place a system which would empower the component units of the federation to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people for better living conditions.

The governor stated that as the nation celebrates its 57th Anniversary, the government and the people must take a critical and objective assessment of the current situation in the country and resolve to do the right thing.

Ambode said the government and the people of Lagos were proud to join fellow compatriots in celebrating the nation’s 57th Independence anniversary as Lagos took the pride in the fact that the seed for this historic occasion was planted in the state 57 years ago.

The governor said Lagosians should bear in mind the fact that Lagos was where every ethnic group in Nigeria call home, adding that the people should continue to live together in peace as brothers and sisters.

He congratulated Lagosians on the great occasion and expressed appreciation to them for keeping faith with the present administration particularly for fulfilling their tax obligations.

Ambode implored Lagosians to sustain the commendable act while also obeying the laws and regulations that have been put in place to promote security, peace and the general well-being of all citizens.

The governor assured all residents that the government on its part would continue to develop solutions in creative and innovative ways to address the challenges facing the people in all sectors of the economy.

In his remarks, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1 reiterated his call for the granting of a special status to Lagos as it is a home to all nationalities and ethnic groups.

The event also featured a March past by the police, para-military, voluntary organizations, students and different groups while the representative of the governor took the salute.

The 57th Independence anniversary cake was later cut as a symbol of the celebration.

The ceremony was graced by many dignitaries, including members of the State Executive Council, House of Assembly, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1; military service commanders and members of the Nigerian top military officers, among others.