Fellow Nigerians,
Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection. It is the anniversary of the day Nigerians realised one of the most cherished of human desires – the desire for freedom. We, therefore, give thanks to and remember our founding fathers who laboured so hard and sacrificed so much to build and bequeath to us this wonderful nation. It is our duty to consolidate this great legacy.
2. On this first October date and on the eve of the start of the general election cycle, we should do well to reflect on what binds us together and the great strength our diversity bestows on us. Ours is an ambitious nation, and, as citizens we have every right to look forward to the future with confidence and optimism which are well founded, considering where we find ourselves today.
3. There has been a steady improvement in the security situation in the North East. We remain committed to ending the crisis and make the North East safe for all.
4. Our thoughts and prayers are always with the victims of the Boko Haram’s atrocities and their families. Beyond that, we know that the goals of the Boko Haram terrorists include capturing territories, destroying our democracy and denying our children the right to education. We will not allow them to succeed.
5. I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe. In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.
6. As their Commander -In- Chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field. I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families.
7. We are diversifying away from reliance on oil to increased manufacturing capacity, solid minerals development, and agriculture.
8. Efforts are on course in the Niger Delta to clean up polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, and strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for our country a brighter future.
9. The age-long conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively. We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding durable solution to this problem.
10. This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts. In this context I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law. Meanwhile, we urge all peace loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic based.
11. We are one of the countries in the world most affected by environmental degradation, as a consequence of climate change. We are signatories to almost all conventions and agreements aimed at slowing down the effect of climate change and mitigating its now evident consequences.
12. The consequences on lives and livelihoods of the shrinking of the Lake Chad and the pollution caused by oil exploitation activities alone make it mandatory on us to be at the forefront of the struggle for a safer and more sustainable environment. We will continue to mobilise international support for our efforts in this regard.
13. We are making progress in the fight against corruption and recovery of stolen public funds and assets despite vicious and stiff resistance. The shameful past practice, of the brazen theft of billions of Naira is no more. Shady oil deals and public contracts that were never delivered have become things of the past.
14. Consequently, and this is very evident across the country, we have done more with less in infrastructural developments. Roads, railways, major bridges, schools, energy and power, air and sea ports, welfare of serving and retired personnel both civilian and military including payment of legacy debt such as pension arrears, have been attended to.
15. There is now an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria. We are building a rules-based system – a level playing field that is free from fixers and intermediaries. This is the cornerstone to help genuine investors and honest consumers, and the platform that will allow for the real reforms that we intend to deliver over the coming years.
16. We are gradually strengthening the economy with a stable Naira and falling inflation rate. We are building an economy that is moving away from over reliance on oil. Consequently we have witnessed massive return to farms and seen bumper harvest, despite recurrent floods across the country.
17. These positive developments are the result of our collective pursuit of a common vision through hard work and dedication, after the missed opportunities and disappointments that followed the return to democracy in 1999.
18. At the forefront, have always been our youths. They have been at the vanguard of the struggle for independence. They fought in the war to keep the country united. And it was they who kept alive the struggle for democracy and human rights in our country at times when these were at risk, especially following the June 12th 1993 election and the historic 2015 election process.
19. Even today, our youths play a central role in Nigeria’s continuing progress and developments in all fields of our national endeavour –technology, agriculture, mining, engineering and especially the creative arts. Together we are building a more diverse, inclusive and self-reliant economy.
20. In the past three years we have introduced many policies and programmes targeted at youth development and youth empowerment. We support the ‘not too young to run’ legislation aimed at giving the youths greater say in our national politics and governance.
21. The school feeding program in primary schools is aimed at encouraging enrolment and attendance. We are building on what we have already introduced to support schools and universities to which funds have recently been released for upgrade of facilities, training programs for our entrepreneurs, and rehabilitation schemes for victims of terrorism and human trafficking.
Fellow Nigerians,
22. Now we have in our hands technology that is a powerful tool that we can and should use for knowledge and understanding. As with other countries, we must also learn how to manage those tendencies that, instead, look to abuse new technologies to provoke passions and stir tensions.
23. Never before have we faced such a challenge. We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces that hide in today’s world of social media. We need critical minds and independent thinking, to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts. Otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake.
24. I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.
Fellow Nigerians,
25. Developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task. There can be no quick fixes or short cuts. These are the most important lessons that we have learnt in our 58 years as an independent nation.
26. At the international level, we remain a responsible and respected member of the international community, playing active positive roles within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations as well as all other regional and international organisations and institutions of which we are members.
27. We will continue to support initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of our times: global and regional crises and conflicts, terrorism, trans-border crime, climate change, human rights, gender equality, development, poverty and inequality within and between nations, etc. In this context, we are working hard to achieve both the AU 2063 Agenda for socio-economic transformation of our continent; and the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which together aim at addressing these challenges
Fellow Nigerians,
28. As we celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our independence, we know we are on the right path. Although we have our differences, they count for far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation. We have so much for which we should be grateful, and in which we should rightly take pride. Our journey is not finished but we have come a long way.
29. I want to assure you that as President, I will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve what really matters: a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.
Thank you. I wish you a memorable independence celebration.
Your means of explaining everything in this paragraph is truly nice, every one can effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a
blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear
idea
It’s the best time to make some plans for
the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could
I desire to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.
Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I wish to read more things about it!
An interesting discussion is worth comment.
I do think that you need to write more on this topic, it may not be
a taboo matter but generally people do not discuss these issues.
To the next! Kind regards!!
Hello would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers
and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a honest price?
Cheers, I appreciate it!
I know this website presents quality dependent articles or reviews and extra material, is there any other web
page which presents these kinds of data in quality?
Hi, its pleasant paragraph on the topic of media print, we all be aware of media is a fantastic
source of information.
Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my website thus
i came to go back the prefer?.I am trying to to find things to improve my
website!I guess its ok to use some of your ideas!!
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
By the way, how could we communicate?
Yes! Finally someone writes about Health Benefits of
Coconut Oil.
I am really loving the theme/design of your weblog.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
A number of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?
Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to
know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to
manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no
coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
The other day, while I was at work, my sister
stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot
drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a top notch
article… but what can I say… I put things off
a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow
you if that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look
forward to new posts.
I do not even know the way I ended up right here,
but I assumed this post was once good. I do not know who you are
however definitely you’re going to a famous blogger for those who are not already.
Cheers!
Great post. I will be experiencing a few of these issues as
well..
It is not my first time to visit this website, i am browsing this web
site dailly and obtain good data from here everyday.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital
to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently
fast.
Its such as you learn my thoughts! You appear to know
so much about this, like you wrote the guide in it or
something. I believe that you simply could do with a few p.c.
to drive the message home a bit, however other than that, that is great blog.
A great read. I’ll certainly be back.
hi!,I really like your writing so so much! share we keep up
a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert
on this space to solve my problem. May be
that’s you! Looking ahead to look you.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you
wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a
few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog.
A great read. I’ll certainly be back.
This design is incredible! You certainly know how to keep a
reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my
own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say,
and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
Very good article. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!
You actually make it seem so easy together with your presentation but I
to find this matter to be really one thing that I believe I’d
by no means understand. It seems too complicated and extremely large for me.
I am taking a look forward for your subsequent submit, I will attempt to get the dangle of it!
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how about unpredicted emotions.
Usually I do not read post on blogs, however
I would like to say that this write-up very compelled
me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me.
Thanks, very great post.
What i do not understood is in reality how you’re no longer actually much more well-liked than you
may be right now. You’re very intelligent.
You recognize therefore considerably relating to this topic, produced me individually believe it from a
lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women aren’t involved until it’s something to
do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. All the time maintain it
up!
bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!
Wonderful article! That is the type of info that should
be shared around the internet. Shame on the search engines for now not positioning this
put up higher! Come on over and talk over with my site
. Thanks =)
Howdy! I realize this is somewhat off-topic but I had to ask.
Does building a well-established blog like yours take a large amount of work?
I’m completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal everyday.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal
experience and thoughts online. Please let me know
if you have any kind of ideas or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
Thankyou!
Your way of telling everything in this piece of writing is really pleasant,
all be able to easily be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
you are actually a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible.
It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick.
Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent job in this subject!
Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person’s website
link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same for you.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure
of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content
so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only
having 1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it
out better?
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking
more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out some additional information.
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after going through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and
checking back frequently!
Great post! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website.
Keep up the great writing.
Hello, I wish for to subscribe for this web site to obtain newest updates, so where can i do it please assist.
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from.
I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
I’ll just bookmark this page.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you’re
a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will
come back later on. I want to encourage you to continue your great
work, have a nice evening!
I always used to read paragraph in news papers but now as I am a user of internet therefore
from now I am using net for content, thanks to web.
I just couldn’t leave your website before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information an individual supply
on your visitors? Is going to be back incessantly to inspect new posts
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of
area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site.
Studying this info So i’m glad to exhibit that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed.
I such a lot indubitably will make certain to do not overlook this website
and give it a look regularly.
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if
you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?
Thanks a lot!
Hey There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. That is
a very smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful information.
Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.
Wow, this article is good, my sister is analyzing these kinds of things, thus I am going to tell her.
It’s really a cool and useful piece of information. I’m glad that
you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep
us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!