President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Nigerians ahead of New Year’s Day celebrations, promising to build on his administration’s transformation agenda in a bid to improve living conditions in the country.
The president specifically pledged to concentrate attention on flood and erosion control, provision of infrastructure, improvement of electricity supply, rehabilitation of federal roads, and improvement of security all over the country.
“Fellow Nigerians, I greet and rejoice with you all as we celebrate the advent of a new year,” the beginning of the president’s statement read.
“I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for bringing us and our beloved nation safely through the past year to the beginning of 2013 which, by His Grace, will be a much better year for us and our country.
“In keeping with tradition, it is usual for individuals, institutions and organisations to make resolutions and set agenda as a new year begins, to guide their actions in the coming months.
“I have already given a clear indication of the Federal Government’s agenda for 2013 in recent pronouncements. Our objective for the year is to ensure by all possible means that more of the programmes and projects envisioned by this administration, and which are already being embarked upon are further brought on stream within the next 12 months to meet the yearnings of our people, and raise the quality of life.”
He listed the achievements of the outgoing year to include positive transformation of vital sectors such as public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development, and assured that his administration will continue to work diligently in 2013 to ensure that efforts in these areas are carried forward to full fruition in fulfillment of the promise of better public services and improved living conditions for all Nigerians.
“We will give priority attention in the coming year to flood and erosion control, the rehabilitation and expansion of existing federal roads, improved power supply, as well as the continued rehabilitation, upgrading and reactivation of the national rail network,” the statement added.
“Employment generation and wealth creation will also remain a primary objective of our socio-economic agenda for 2013. Creating more employment opportunities for our youth and graduates of our universities is an imperative that will continue to underpin our drive for massive economic growth, the rapid expansion of our manufacturing and industrial base, and the productive diversification of our national economy. In this regard, we will continue to provide the necessary enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
“As peace and security remain pre-requisite conditions for the full realization of our objectives, we will also do more in 2013 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria.
“I also want to assure Nigerians that we will refuse to be discouraged by those who have taken it upon themselves to pick on every initiative and effort of this administration. We remain resolutely committed to the rule of law, due process and fair play in all circumstances. Our democracy continues to grow, and the scope for human freedom continues to expand. It is an achievement that we will continue to build upon.”
He reiterated the determination of his team to continue pushing forward and maintaining focus. He urged citizens to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation in every possible way.
“That is all I ask for,” he stated. “The task of making our dear nation a much better place for present and future generations cannot be left to government alone. Leaders and followers alike have critical roles to play in our march towards the fulfillment of our great national potentials.”
He further called for a joint resolve, as the New Year begins, to “place the higher interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in our particular fields of human endeavour to contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations.”
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