Independence Day: 'Be ready to sacrifice for the country,' Senator Ashafa tells Nigerians

Ashafa said the hardship currently experienced by Nigerians is for a limited time, adding that joy would inevitably follow.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos East has urged Nigerians to be ready to make sacrifices for the country, adding that the scarcity currently experienced by the people will eventually become abundance.

The Senator said this in a statement issued on on Saturday, September 30, to mark Nigeria's 57th Independence Day anniversary.

Ashafa quoted the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to drive home his point.

"After rain comes sunshine; After darkness comes the glorious dawn. There is no sorrow without its alloy of joy; there is no joy without its admixture of sorrow. Behind the ugly terrible mask of misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of prosperity. So, tear the mask!" – Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The statement further reads:

"As our dear country marks her 57th Independence anniversary, I draw inspiration from the words of one of our founding fathers, Chief Obafemi Awolowo as quoted above.

"For so long, the Nigerian State has demanded of Nigerians to be ready to sacrifice for the eventual benefit of all. Nigerians have been asked to manage, to bear the burdern and sometimes be willing to suffer until the ship of state arrives at the place of hope.

"However, what we have experienced in the past 2 years can be likened to darkness caused by years of decay, which led us into the recession, which we are now coming out from. We are not only coming out of the recession, we are coming out of it with a diversified economy, a more entrepreneurial population, lesser dependence on crude oil, a more informed people, a more solid foundation for our economy and the institutions of state. We are making haste slowly, we are coming out a better country.

"I, therefore, believe that there is no better time than now for us as a country to come together as one in order to emerge together into the “glorious dawn” that lies ahead. Our differences are many, our tongues differ but we must be willing to come together to forge a road map for this bright future together and through the legitimate institutions of state.

"Dear Nigerians, Lagosians and the Good People of Lagos East, I urge you all to rally round the leadership at various levels. I believe that this is the time to support our leaders with effort, counsel and constructive criticism, as we work together to create the Nigeria of our dreams."

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Although Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1st, 1960, the nation remained a Commonwealth Realm with Elizabeth II as titular head of state until the adoption of a new constitution in 1963 declaring the nation a republic.

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