Naijahood
The President says everything he has done since assuming office on May 29, 2023 has been done in the best interest of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to stand together and endorse his administration’s efforts in constructing a stronger nation and fostering a Nigerian society that prioritizes the well-being of all its citizens.
In a New Year address broadcasted to Nigerians at 7 am on Monday, the President encouraged citizens to stay resilient despite the challenging times they are facing.
“Dear Compatriots, hear this from me: though the times may be challenging and arduous, our spirit must remain unyielding because challenging times are temporary. We are built for this era, not to retreat, not to waver,” President Tinubu expressed.
“The socio-economic difficulties we face today should invigorate and reignite our love and faith in Nigeria’s promise. Our present circumstances should inspire us to strive for the betterment of our cherished nation.
“Let our situation drive us to resolve that in this new year of 2024, each one of us will commit to becoming better citizens.”
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“One notable change involved breaking the grip of a select few on our foreign exchange system, which had previously favored only the affluent and powerful among us. Undoubtedly, these decisions brought some discomfort to individuals, families, and businesses.
Nigeria’s economic and security challenges have been subject to criticism during the Tinubu administration. It is common to hear citizens expressing dissatisfaction with the country’s standard of living, with labor unions advocating for improved member welfare. Many wonder if the President is aware of the struggles they face.
President Tinubu reassures the public, stating, “I understand the situation. From the corporate boardrooms of Broad Street in Lagos to the bustling streets of Kano and the serene Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the concerns of hardworking Nigerians striving to provide for themselves and their families.”
Acknowledging the frustrations of his fellow citizens, he addresses their concerns, saying, “I am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens. I know that some wonder if our administration aims to renew their hope.”
However, amidst the challenges, the President sees signs of progress, particularly in the areas of security, and he is optimistic about the upcoming year for the economy.
President Tinubu highlights efforts to address security issues, stating, “Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors. Although we haven’t solved all security problems, we are striving to ensure peace of mind for all in their homes, workplaces, and on the roads.”
In terms of economic transformation, the President points to advancements made in the last seven months. He mentions a power supply deal signed with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at COP 23 in December 2023, aimed at expediting the Siemens Energy power project under the Presidential Power Initiative.
To ensure a stable electricity supply, the President mentions initiatives for local refining of petroleum products, including the Port Harcourt Refinery and the upcoming Dangote Refinery. Additionally, plans to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland nationwide for staple crops like maize, rice, wheat, and millet are emphasized.
Regarding economic policies, the President promises to streamline fiscal and tax reforms for a conducive business environment. He conveys a consistent message to investors, stating, “Nigeria is ready and open for business,” and expresses determination to overcome obstacles hindering business competitiveness.
Assuring Nigerians of proper evaluation measures and his commitment to building a fair society, President Tinubu calls on citizens to play their part. He emphasizes that building a prosperous nation is a collective effort and encourages unity among Nigerians, irrespective of differences.
Concluding his message, he urges everyone to work together for the peace, progress, and stability of the country, extending the call even to political opponents. He concludes with a wish for a happy and prosperous year in 2024.”
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Dear Fellow Citizens,
I am filled with immense joy as I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you, regardless of age, to the beginning of the new year 2024. Let us express our gratitude to Almighty God for His grace and kindness to our nation and our lives throughout the challenges and events of the past year, 2023.
Despite the difficulties we faced, the previous year marked a significant transition for our country—a peaceful and successful transfer of power from one administration to another. This underscored another milestone in our 24 years of uninterrupted democracy.
I am thankful to the gracious people of our blessed nation who bestowed upon me a clear mandate to enhance our country’s well-being, revitalize our economy, ensure security within our borders, rejuvenate our struggling industrial sector, boost agricultural production, enhance national productivity, and set our nation on an irreversible path towards greatness.
The responsibility of building a better nation and creating a society that cares for all citizens has been the driving force behind my presidency. Every decision, action, and international engagement since assuming office on May 29, 2023, has been made in the best interest of our beloved country.
Over the past seven months, I have made difficult yet necessary decisions to prevent fiscal catastrophe, such as the removal of the long-standing fuel subsidy and breaking the chokehold on our foreign exchange system. While these decisions may have caused discomfort to individuals, families, and businesses, they were crucial for the long-term health of our nation.
I am aware of the concerns regarding the rising cost of living, high inflation exceeding 28%, and the unacceptable underemployment rate. From the streets of Lagos to the heart of Kano and the waterways of Bayelsa, I hear the struggles of hardworking Nigerians. Understand that, though the times may be tough, our spirit must remain unbroken. We are resilient, made for this period, and must not falter.
While addressing economic challenges, we have worked to free captives from abductors. Although security problems persist, we are dedicated to ensuring peace in our homes, workplaces, and on our roads.
Having laid the groundwork for economic recovery, we are now accelerating service delivery across various sectors. Agreements like the one with the German Chancellor in Dubai to expedite the Siemens Energy power project show our commitment to providing reliable electricity to homes and businesses.
In 2024, we are taking steps to restart local refining of petroleum products with the Port Harcourt Refinery and the full operation of the Dangote Refinery. To ensure food security, we will cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland across the country.
In the new year, we are focusing on implementing fiscal and tax policy reforms, simplifying business environments, and promoting Nigeria as a prime destination for investments. The 2024 budget reflects our commitment to national defense, job creation, macroeconomic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.
Every Nigerian will feel the impact of their government. In the spirit of fairness, we are implementing a new national living wage for workers in 2024, recognizing the importance of economic, moral, and political correctness.
I am dedicated to serving this country, and poor performance from my appointees is not acceptable. We have established a unit for policy coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and delivery to ensure governance output improves the lives of our people.
My ambition is to build a fair and equitable society, reducing inequality. While acknowledging the right of the rich to enjoy their wealth, we aim to provide every hardworking Nigerian an equal opportunity to thrive.
Building a prosperous nation is a collective effort. In this new year, let us resolve to work together, regardless of our differences, for the peace, progress, and stability of our country. The time for political opponents to unite has come. The light each of us carries should shine brightly, leading us to a glorious dawn.
I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2024.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR January 1, 2024
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