“Our joy on this momentous occasion does not come from a place of vanity; it is firmed on the conviction that a new epoch is upon us, our moment has arrived, and with gratitude, we shall seize the opportunities of our day to create a better world for those coming after us,” Mr Otti says.

* Governor promises regular gratuity payments

Mr Otti said the anniversary should not only be a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to recognise that much more work remained to be done.