The Kwara State Governor, Alh Abdulfatah Ahmed has said that at 53 the country is yet to attain nationhood.

According to the Governor in his independence message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahaab Oba, Nigerians are still besetted by primordial sentiments that promote ethnic and religious bigotry than national cohesion.  "Until we begin to see ourselves, first and foremost, as Nigerians before being from a particular part of the country, we would remain a country of ethnic nationalities as oppose to being a nation where we regard one another as indivisible entity," the Governor explained.

Ahmed challenged Nigerians to exhibit more tenets of patrioticism and renew their faith in the ability of their leaders to positively turn around the fortunes of the country.

Gov Ahmed noted that although the country is currently undergoing various challenges, the maximum support and prayers of Nigerians are needed to adequately tackle the problems.

“I urged all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation, to pray for the unity of the country to achieve the much needed peace and development.

According to him, “if we remain committed to the ideals of building a United, virile nation, Nigeria will remain a flagship in the comity of Nations across the World".

The Governor advised Nigerians to eschew divisive tendencies such as religious crises and ethnic challenges that could hinder aspirations for National growth.