Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has urged Nigerians to remain united and steadfast in spite of the country’s challenges as a better Nigeria was on the way.

Fayemi made the call in Abuja at a belated reception organised by the Ekiti State caucus in the House of Representatives to mark his 56th birthday.

Fayemi, who is also the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) said everyone had a role to play to make Nigeria a greater nation.

“Another Nigeria, a better Nigeria, a more united Nigeria that we can all stand up for and be proud of, is ahead of us.

“We all play a critical role for the ties we all have; we still have a long way to go, it is a journey not a destination.

“And in that journey, we will always find undulating lands, valleys, hills and potholes, but ultimately, what is important is to just continue on the journey.

“I know that God, in His infinite mercy will help us overcome these challenging times; we must continue to strengthen the ties that bind our country and these are ties that predated colonialism.

“In spite of the challenges, Nigeria will triumph.

“We all have to put our hands on the trough and make sure that whatever we can do in our own corner to strengthen the bond, to bridge the gap, to be purveyors of peace building, we contribute it because it is little acorns that become tall oaks.

“We all light candles, one candle lights another, and another lights the other and so on and the light shines perpetually,’’ he said.

Fayemi said that he was touched by the generous spirit demonstrated by the Ekiti State team in the House of Representatives.

He said though he is governor, what makes him strong as governor is the support from the team that contributed to all that had been able achieve in the state.

“It has been a long struggle; even when things appeared to be unsteady, they were steadfast and focused and determined that the progressive return and our work be such that we will continue to maintain our grip on our state.

“For us it is not just about party, but about ideals and ideas on what will make a difference to our people.

“Either of the two major parties, we are not there yet, we are still platforms, we are not organic yet and what we need is organic parties that speak to yearnings of our people,’’ he stressed,

Earlier, Rep. Oluremi Ogunlola (APC-Ekiti) said that the caucus thought it wise and worthy to celebrate with the governor as he marked his birthday.

She described Fayemi as a mentor and a true leader as displayed in the leadership style with which he is piloting the affairs of Ekiti State.

She prayed for more wisdom for the governor as he continues to pilot the affairs of the state and that of the NGF.

Rep. Akinjo Kolade (PDP-Ekiti) said that he had seen the governor display courage and integrity at trying times in the country.

Kolade said that the governor had always taken strong positions on national issues no matter whose ox was gored.

The lawmaker prayed God to strengthen Fayemi as he continues to work for democracy and for troubled Nigeria.

Rep. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo (APC-Ondo) attributed the peace and stability in the green chambers to the efforts of Fayemi.

He recalled that Fayemi rallied members of the 9th Assembly to deliver the present leadership.

The legislator said that Fayemi had always stood his ground on the unity of Nigeria and on other national issues and his position had not failed the country.

Also, Sen. Opayemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) said that in politics, after God, there was need to hold on to somebody for support.

He described Fayemi as a pillar of support who stood his ground against electoral malpractice and ensured the will of the people at the polls stood. (NAN)