IT’S the first day of 2016. Another season of hearty felicitations and a fresh opportunity to begin the journey of another 365 days with renewed hopes and expectations. There are a lot to be optimistic about and a lot more to bring the spirit down, if recent developments in the nation are to be considered. But as the world is ushered into another new year, clerics, in an exclusive interview with The Guardian, have called on all Nigerians to eschew violence and embrace the spirit of unity and patriotism as they look forward to becoming better persons in 2016.

Govt must work to alleviate pains of the people

Revd. Oluranti Odubogun, Bishop of Ife Diocese, Anglican Communion, Osun State
There is hope for Nigerians as this administration is approaching the first full year of its being in office. I have high expectations that government will move all out to alleviate the pains of the people as it fixes infrastructure that had make the nation lag behind. I want government to confront unemployment and ensure there is regular light, which is a catalyst to a lot of economic activities.

We should become God-fearing and patriotic

Archbishop Magnus Atilade, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West
I expect a better Nigeria as our leaders strive to imbibe the virtue of integrity. I pray that God will provide the nation with good leadership in every area of governance and I look forward to every Nigerian casting off their old identity of wickedness and embezzlement to becoming sober, patriotic, God-fearing and kind to one another. I also pray that the welfare of Nigerians will be the upmost priority of government at all levels. I encourage Nigerians to support the president in fighting corruption and helping government recover looted funds.

Be law-abiding, no matter your status

Bishop John U. Aruakpor, Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Anglican Communion, Delta State
My New Year resolution is to get closer to God. When you have a cordial relationship with God, everything falls in the right place. My prayer for Nigeria is that God’s plan will overrule the plans of the evil ones. This year will be a year of peace for God’s people. I, how, urge Nigerians to get closer to God and always look unto Him. With God, all things that seem impossible become possible. By praying continuously, Nigerians will be able to overcome the difficulties ahead of them in the New Year. They should also be law-abiding no matter their status.

A year of new beginning

Bishop Matthew Egwowa, Church of God Mission, Oshodi, Lagos
The New Year would be a year of fulfillment for many who would key into the area of prayer and love God. God will make it a year of new beginning for as many who would believe.

Nigerians should cut their coat to their sizes

Revd. Dare Ajiboye, General Secretary, Bible Society of Nigeria
2015 was a poor year for the nation and expectations have not been met. Promises of change the new government promised have not been seen. Nigerians now expect a new level in the coming year with strategic plans at the national, state and local government levels. It was observed that recurrent expenditure was more than capital expenditure in the new budget and any nation that would grow should not operate with this kind of budget. More so, any nation that wants to make it come 2020 needs a workable strategic plan, which include fixing of infrastructure like electricity.

Nigerians too should know that the nation is in the period of near recession and should therefore cut their coat according to their sizes. Nigerians should not live above their incomes. In the New Year, the wealthy should remember the poor and not just continue to eat and forget the downtrodden. They should help the poor by sponsoring those who cannot go to school and even offer scholarship.

The change we expect should not be one-sided

Ven. Godwin O. Ogbodo, Vicar of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ozoro East Archdeaconry, Delta State
The New Year will be the greatest of years for Nigerians and Nigeria. It will be a prosperous one for those who know God and obey His word. They will soar like eagles even in the face of hardship because eagles enjoy storm while others are afraid of it. Nigerians should always pray for the progress of this country. If it is well with Nigeria, then it is well with you and me. The change Nigerians and the government in power are expecting should not be one-sided. The government should not victimize anybody. Everybody should be carried along. They should strive to know God and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all they do.