By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River State Commissioner For Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Jr, has charged Nigerians home and abroad to use the nation’s 60th Independence Anniversary to reflect on their innovative minds in a manner that they can create an enabling economy that can cushion the effect of the financial situation worsened by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ekpeyong also urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of being enterprising so as to overcome the economic challenges posed on the country, following outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic months ago rather bear a lukewarm attitude.
He gave the charge yesterday in Calabar, while speaking with journalists about Nigeria’s 60th Independent anniversary.
He said that with the outbreak of COVID-19, nations of the world that never knew economic hardship experienced economic hardship which requires enterprising spirit to overcome the ugly trend.
The Finance Commissioner stated that clocking 60, even in our personal lives, remains a thing of joy and called for celebration, just as he also called for the celebration of Nigeria’s founding fathers, who he said deserved to be emulated.
He said that without the creative thinking/ hardwork of the nation’s founding fathers, there would’nt have been any country called Nigeria, saying, “Let us rejoice in happiness and indulge in celebration of our nation at 60, while saluting them who made it possible, and heroes and heroines who made Nigeria stand high and mighty. Let us make them our inspiration.
“Our free life today is the result of 60 years of struggle and sacrifice of many thousands. We are proud to be Nigerians and we are proud to be a part of this glorious nation.
“Let us celebrate the glory of Nigeria and Cross River State by upholding the pride and honor of being a Nigerian.
“Let us remember to be more creative and innovative as we seek more financial freedom by helping build an economy that will go a long way to resposition the country for greatness.”
