The Association of Izzi Media Workers (AIMW) has called for sustained development, peace and national unity as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary and Ebonyi State commemorates 30 years of creation.
The association, in an Independence Day message jointly signed by its National President, Comrade Emmanuel Nwizi; Secretary-General, Comrade Moses Peter Nwite; and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Victor Chibueze Nwegede, also commended the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for what it described as his people-centred governance initiatives.
The media workers urged Nigerians and Ebonyians to use the anniversaries as an opportunity to renew their commitment to peace, patriotism, social cohesion and collective development.
According to the statement, “These milestones usher in a new year of renewed hope, unity and collective responsibility,” stressing the need for citizens to support initiatives capable of advancing development and strengthening peaceful coexistence.
The association said the Nwifuru administration had demonstrated commitment to infrastructure development, education, human capital development and economic empowerment, while also promoting unity among the people of the state.
It particularly commended the governor for his efforts to foster closer relationships among elders, political leaders, professionals and other stakeholders across Ebonyi, saying such engagements had contributed to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood in the state.
The association said, “His deliberate efforts to bring together the state’s elders, leaders, professionals and wider citizenry have strengthened the bonds of brotherhood across Ebonyi.”
It, however, urged the state government to sustain the momentum of ongoing projects and programmes, arguing that continuity in development policies and initiatives remained critical to consolidating gains and delivering enduring benefits to present and future generations.
“As the State enters another chapter, we commend the Governor for the development foundation already laid and advocate sustained continuity to consolidate ongoing projects and programmes for the benefit of present and future generations,” the group stated.
The media workers also appealed to citizens to place the collective interest above sectional considerations, urging them to embrace responsible citizenship and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the country.
The association congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary, while also felicitating Governor Nwifuru and the people of Ebonyi State on the 30th anniversary of the state's creation.
It called for greater commitment to peace, love, unity and prosperity, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of stability, responsible leadership and active citizen participation.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to using the media to promote constructive public discourse, peaceful coexistence and development-oriented initiatives in Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
The statement concluded with a call on Nigerians and Ebonyians to make patriotism, peace and unity enduring pillars of the nation's next phase of development.
