–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Editor’s DESK:

AMIDST mounting security and existential challenges confronting the county as she marks the 61st Anniversary of her Independence, Nigerians have been enjoined to keep hope alive as the people will prevail over the current travails.

In an Independence message, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, noted that contrary to earlier expectations, the economic and security challenges facing the people have become more debilitating.

He, however, noted that the forces of evil behind the worsening state of the nation will be defeated.

“Nigerians are marking this anniversary in an atmosphere characterised by trepidation and despair over the deepening security and economic situation in the country. However, I want to assure our people in Delta State that these challenges are being confronted head-on by our Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

“Having just signed the Anti Open Grazing Bill into law, the Governor has demonstrated his commitment to guaranteeing the security of our people. Sen. Dr. Okowa has now laid the foundation for ensuring that our people conduct their businesses in a safe atmosphere”,

Bashorun Askia stated in his message.
For the people in the mandate area of DESOPADEC, he pledged to leverage on the greater attention being paid to security to support the activities of community vigilance groups to ward off threats posed by external groups.

“Our people are accommodating and hardworking, but we cannot allow external and evil forces to hold our people hostage in their land”, Bashorun Askia said.

He expressed hope that this year’s anniversary will afford Nigeria’s leaders the opportunity for introspection on the failings of the state and chart a fresh path to building a new Nigeria where fairness and justice will be the bedrock for relationship among the federating units.

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