Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday, kick-started activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a special Juma’at prayer at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt.

At the service, prayers were offered for the peace, unity, and accelerated development of both Rivers State and Nigeria.

Represented by Abdurrazaq Diepriye, the governor emphasised that peace and patriotism were essential to the country’s progress.

“Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we cannot have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens, irrespective of creed or tribe, to remain patriotic,” he said.

Naijaonpoint reports that Fubara also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State, and thanked security agencies for their “relentless effort in upholding peace and unity” across the state and the nation.

Delivering his sermon, the Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, urged Muslims to uphold truthfulness and obedience to Allah.

According to him, “Those who obey Allah will always be directed to good deeds, and their sins will be forgiven.”

Other programmes lined up for the anniversary celebration in Rivers State include an inter-denominational church thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 28, and a parade ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, October 1.