President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has described the occasion of the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary today as an event that offers “men and women, young and old; yet another great opportunity to reflect on our individual and collective attempts to take our country to its desired destination.” He stated this in an independence message made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Pastor Oritsejafor also dropped hints on how Nigeria can be great again. He said: “As we continue to reflect on our efforts as an independent nation having acquired our rightful status 55 years ago, I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace though plagued by different challenges. Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations despite its ups and downs.

“But as many people would say, we are not yet where we are supposed to be but we are relentless, and we are still forging ahead as individuals and as a nation, this fact we cannot negotiate or trade for anything.

“The times call for sober and committed reflection on what we have done and what we have not done to advance the cause of our nation. These times also call for sacrifice and genuine service in anything that we are called to do for our fatherland.

“Nigerians regardless of their ethno-religious and socio-political leanings must contribute to this task of nation building, this therefore calls for prayers and support for leaders at all levels. I believe this clarion call is also divine.

“This is premised on the fact that the leader matters but he cannot change things alone. “If God can use Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, in all arms of governments, I believe we have many Nehemiahs.

“There are many of them among teachers, and clergy. “God will use these various Nehemiahs to rebuild this country, if our leaders give opportunities to the right persons to anchor the progress of our society.

“I can say again that Nigeria will succeed; with our cooperation we shall succeed indeed!

“As we reflect today, let us take a cue from the words of our founding fathers and contribute our own little quota to the growth of our Nation. Every one of us has a role to play, and together, we can make a positive change in our nation.

“I also cease this opportunity to commiserate with the Sultan of Sokoto who is the father of the Nigerian Muslim community, on the Hajj tragedy that led to the demise of fellow compatriots in Saudi Arabia. CAN expresses its sympathy to the deceased families and all Nigerian Muslims for the deaths.

“Permit me to also solicit the support of compatriots for troops engaged in different theaters with the sole aim of protecting our individual and collective wealth and our national territory. Let us use the occasion of our independence to commit prayers and other forms of support ]to troops in the front-line and their families in the barracks, this will in no small way advance the cause of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

“Once again, I wish all Nigerians a Happy Independence Day, 2015 and May God bless Nigeria!”

•Photo shows Pastor Oritsejafor.