PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that despite the obvious challenges and “distractions,” his administration would strive to keep its campaign promises of bringing about positive change in their lives in the New Year.
In his goodwill message, the President admitted that Nigerians had had to experience significant sufferings since his new administration began its inevitable reforms, more especially in the area of petroleum sector reforms.
He said though Nigeria’s challenges were numerous, his determination to succeed was strong and unshaken.
On his part, the Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has expressed optimism that 2016 offers a real opportunity for change in the country.
Also, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians at home and abroad to reflect on and dedicate themselves to unity, equity, security and development as they welcome the New Year.
In his message, the Speaker, who praised the unshakable commitment of leaders at all levels of government to a better Nigeria cited the pro- people 2016 budget of President Buhari’s administration, which is before the National Assembly as basis for his sense of optimism.
Also, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has promised to engage about 3,000 youths at the Grand Resort project site in Ile-Ife even as he dedicated the New Year to youth development.
Dogara assured that when passed into law and faithfully executed, it will not only lift the common man from abject poverty, it will also usher in the much needed opportunities for innovation and investment that are the engines of economic growth and prosperity.
He said: “Democracy and governments do not build nations but it’s rather citizens of democracy who must take up the tools of democracy and embrace the opportunities created by their government that build the nation of their dream.”
Atiku, who enjoined Nigerians to work in concert for nation building and consolidation of the dividends of the nation’s hard-earned democracy, noted that every new year such as this is a prime time for inner self reflection, stock-taking, resolutions and covenants.
“I urge my compatriots to remember the country in their every day prayers and actions throughout 2016 and beyond. For citizens are like spokes in the wheel of national progress; the whole can only function well if the units work positively in tandem. Nigerians should therefore work in concert to make Nigeria the great country of their dream.”
The monarch said he would open a new vista of hope in terms of gainful employment for young people.
