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.
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this info for my mission.
This is the perfect blog for anyone who really wants to find
out about this topic. You understand so much its almost tough
to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that’s been discussed
for ages. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well
written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll certainly return.
Greetings from California! I’m bored to tears at work
so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break.
I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, great blog!
I got this website from my pal who informed me about this
website and at the moment this time I am browsing
this web page and reading very informative articles or
reviews at this time.
If you want to obtain much from this paragraph then you have
to apply such strategies to your won webpage.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it
for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know
where u got this from. thanks
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed
reading it, you can be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back in the foreseeable
future. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue
your great writing, have a nice afternoon!
My family members always say that I am killing my time here at net, except I know I am getting experience
daily by reading thes fastidious articles or reviews.
Hello, I want to subscribe for this weblog to take
most up-to-date updates, thus where can i do it please assist.
I’m no longer positive where you’re getting your info, but good topic.
I must spend a while learning more or working out more.
Thank you for great info I was looking for this info for my mission.
Now I am going to do my breakfast, later than having my breakfast coming yet again to read further news.
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and
found that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
You ought to take part in a contest for one
of the best sites on the net. I’m going to recommend this
web site!
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off
the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to
do with internet browser compatibility but
I thought I’d post to let you know. The design look great though!
Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks
I seriously love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying
to create my own blog and would love to find out where
you got this from or just what the theme is named.
Kudos!
What’s up to every single one, it’s actually a pleasant
for me to visit this web site, it includes important Information.
Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness on your publish is simply nice and that
i could suppose you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to seize your feed to stay
updated with impending post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Hi there exceptional website! Does running a blog similar to this require a
great deal of work? I’ve no expertise in programming but I was hoping to
start my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, if
you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share.
I understand this is off topic however I simply needed to ask.
Thank you!
It’s remarkable in support of me to have a website, which
is valuable in favor of my experience. thanks admin
My partner and I stumbled over here from a different website and thought I may as well check
things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to looking at your web page yet again.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your blog?
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 one or 2 images.
Maybe you could space it out better?
I am sure this article has touched all the internet visitors,
its really really fastidious article on building up
new weblog.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve take note your
stuff prior to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve received here, really like what you are saying and the
way during which you are saying it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to
care for to stay it wise. I can’t wait to learn far more from you.
That is actually a wonderful web site.
Pretty portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your
website and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved account your blog posts.
Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your feeds and even I success you access consistently fast.
Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Carry on the excellent work!
If some one wants expert view concerning blogging and site-building then i suggest him/her to go
to see this weblog, Keep up the fastidious work.
Pretty part of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to
assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts.
Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you get entry to constantly
quickly.
It’s very trouble-free to find out any matter on web as compared to
books, as I found this article at this site.
I read this paragraph completely concerning the
resemblance of hottest and earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.
I am really loving the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A few of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?
Wow, awesome blog format! How long have you been blogging for?
you made running a blog look easy. The total look of your site is fantastic, let alone the content material!
As the admin of this web site is working, no uncertainty very
rapidly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess
I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any suggestions for inexperienced blog writers?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
Heya great blog! Does running a blog such as this require a large amount of work?
I have virtually no expertise in computer programming but I had been hoping
to start my own blog soon. Anyways, should you have any ideas or techniques for new
blog owners please share. I know this is off subject however I simply needed
to ask. Thanks a lot!
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Many thanks!
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using?
Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
You made some decent points there. I checked on the
internet for more info about the issue and found most people will
go along with your views on this site.
I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet users, its really really good piece of writing on building
up new web site.
After looking into a few of the blog posts on your blog, I seriously
like your way of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please check out
my website too and let me know what you think.
That is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Brief but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read article!
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against
hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this web page is really nice.
I’d like to find out more? I’d like to find out some additional information.
I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet visitors, its really really pleasant article on building up new web site.
Very energetic article, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?
Aw, this was a really good post. Finding the time and actual effort
to produce a top notch article… but what can I
say… I put things off a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
It’s awesome to pay a quick visit this site and reading the views of all mates on the topic of this post,
while I am also zealous of getting knowledge.
excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t understand this.
You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge
readers’ base already!