Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians to balance their rights with civic responsibilities in order to build a stronger and more united country. Speaking at a thanksgiving service held to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Egube, stressed the importance of collective effort in achieving national development.

In a message shared on the Lagos State government’s official Facebook page on Sunday, September 29, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that focusing solely on individual rights without fulfilling civic duties impedes national progress. He urged citizens to move beyond just demanding their rights and to actively contribute to the nation’s growth.

“Nigeria will become stronger when we, as a people, shift from only focusing on our rights to embracing both our rights and responsibilities. We cannot build a prosperous and united country if we are solely concerned with what we are owed, without considering what we owe to our nation and one another,” the governor said.

He further highlighted that national development requires the involvement of every citizen in fostering unity, reducing conflicts, and upholding the rule of law. The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, but stressed that public cooperation is essential for these investments to yield positive results.

The service, themed “Rebuilders of Broken Foundations,” drew inspiration from Isaiah 58:12, with Sanwo-Olu urging Nigerians to unite in restoring what has been lost in the country. He noted that citizens’ responsibility extends beyond voting and must include active participation in governance and nation-building.

The governor’s message comes as Nigeria celebrates 64 years of independence, with a renewed call for unity and shared responsibility among its people.