MARAPE URGES CITIZENS TO TURN TO GOD FOR PNG’S 50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

By DALCY LULUA

PRIME Minister James Marape has issued a heartfelt national appeal for Papua New Guineans to turn to God in the lead-up to the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations this September.

Speaking with emotion and deep conviction, the Prime Minister reminded citizens that Papua New Guinea’s strength as a nation comes from God, and called on everyone to take the month of August-traditionally led by churches as a time of national reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.

“Fifty days on now, and we are about to step into the important month of August,” Mr Marape said.

“August must be appreciated and celebrated by fasting and putting God first.”

Quoting Scripture, he said, “Matthew 6:33 says, Put God first, and everything else will be

okay.”

He urged citizens to return to spiritual basics, to acknowledge God as the source of life, unity, and peace in the country.

“As your number one servant, I can find no other place to go first than going back to God — to the basics and to the roots,” he said. “We exist by God’s doing, individually and collectively.”

PM Marape recalled his presence at the launch of PNG’s first National Repentance Day in 2008, led by the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.

“I was a second-year MP sitting in this very room,” he reflected. “Sir Michael stood and acknowledged that God must come first in a country as diverse as ours. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.”

He described August 26 as a significant date, when churches across the country will lead this year’s National Repentance Day observance.

The Prime Minister urged citizens to use this

moment not only to reflect on personal and collective wrongs, but also to seek reconciliation with God, with each other, and with the nation.

“If you have wronged God, your country, your family, or anyone else, this is the time to reflect and make peace. Before we look outward in September to celebrate 50 years of nationhood, let us look inward in August.”

As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark half a century of independence, Mr Marape’s message is a timely call for unity, humility, and a renewed commitment to the spiritual foundation that has carried the country since its founding.

“Let us walk together in faith, honouring the past, and trusting God to guide us into the next 50 years.”