President Goodluck Jonathan and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, have applauded Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s exemplary dedication to the service of Delta State and Nigeria.
In a congratulatory letter to Uduaghan, who turns 60 Wednesday, the President commended his commitment to the ideals of diligence, humility and perseverance.
He wrote: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to express warm felicitations to you on the glorious occasion of your 60th birthday anniversary.
“I join your family, friends, well-wishers and the entire people of Delta State in celebrating a life that vividly epitomizes triumph against all odds emanating from the circumstance of birth, while also symbolizing the assured reward for single-minded commitment to the ideals of diligence, humility, perseverance, focus and dedicated service.
“As you deservedly mark this landmark anniversary, it is my prayer that Almighty God will continue to grant you good health, even as He guides, guards and prospers you in the many more years of fulfilling service ahead of you.”
The President, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, also wished Governor Uduaghan a very happy birthday.
The Sultan and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, particularly commended Dr. Uduaghan for promoting inter-ethnic and religious harmony in the country.
Sa’ad Abubakar III who was in Asaba to chair a lecture on Anger Management being organised to mark the Governor’s 60th birthday in Asaba made the observation when he paid a courtesy call on Dr. Uduaghan at the Government House on Monday.
He described Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as a trail-blazer in engaging in actions that unite Nigerians despite their ethnic and religious persuasions.
“I am in Asaba to take part in the discussion on issues affecting our nation. We should thank the Governor for thinking in that direction, we should continue to talk, if we want the country to be great, we should close ranks.
“To find solution to Nigeria’s problem, we must come together and talk to one another. The more we talk to one another, the more we understand one another, I believe strongly in the application of dialogue to settling all issues,” reiterating, “we must continue to look at ourselves as one and as the two major religions in the country preach, we must love one another.”
He observed that peaceful co-existence and harmony could only be achieved by Nigerians in engaging themselves in frank dialogue rather than relying on persons that do not understand the cultural, religious and ethnic colouration of the country.
The Sultan stressed, “we must come together to fight our common enemy because disease does not know religion or tribe just like poverty.
“We are Nigerians by virtue of God’s creation, we must continue to look at ourselves as brothers, love one another as we are created by one God despite our different tribes and religion.”
Governor Uduaghan thanked the Sultan for coming to Delta State for the lecture and described the Sultan as a bridge builder who believed in the unity of Nigeria .
“Since you assumed the throne of your forefathers as the Sultan, you have been one of the greatest Ambassadors of peace in Nigeria, you have moved across this country and beyond preaching peace.
“I know that God will reward your efforts to give us peace in Nigeria and I want to assure you that Delta State will continue to partner with you in bringing peace to Nigeria,” the Governor said, adding that his administration would continue to engage in actions that would unite Nigerians.
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