Many officials urged people to farm the land, as South Sudanese states celebrated the country’sfirst independence anniversary withmarches, colourful dances and speeches.

In the Unity State capital Bentiu, Governor Lt. Gen. Taban Deng Gai told a gathering at Independence Stadium that lasting freedom depended on the ability of people to feed themselves.

“Agriculture will be the priority of Unity State government so as to improve your living standard,” he said. “We have bought agriculture equipment … this will enhance food security through mechanized farming.”

He noted that the state, like the country, had lost 98% of its revenue due to the closure of oil wells. “Make use of the soil. Be productive and stop depending on food coming from outside.”

Rev. Father Samuel Akoch of Bentiu Catholic Church urged people to unite for the good of the state and country. “Let peace and unity be the order of the day to sustain our independence,” he said, urging citizens to denounce violence and tribalism.

UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Kwame Dwamena-Aboaye said the international community would continue working to promote good governance, rule of law and capacity building. “Since your independence, we have worked with you and will continue to do so in maintaining peace in South Sudan and the region.”

Addressing a crowd in Freedom Square in the Warrap capital Kuajok, Governor Nyandeng Malek Dielic thanked people for answering her call to farm, adopting ox-plow technology and practicing mixed farming.

“The level of farming is much improved this season in terms of acreage and number of people involved,” Ms. Dielic said. “In years to come, Warrap must achieve food security for itself and become a granary for the entire country.”

The governor also focused on the national policy of free education for all. “This policy was meant for the government to take a big part of responsibilities such as building schools, provision of teachers and education materials.”

But parents must also become involved in managing and maintaining schools, she stressed. “This is the only way we can achieve a good education standard.”