President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday reassured Nigerians of better days ahead, saying Nigeria would continue to be a source of pride to its citizens, to Africa, and to human race.
Jonathan, who was speaking in a nationwide 52nd Independence Anniversary broadcast to the nation, expressed optimism that the nation’s economy would continue to grow from strength to strength for the general progress of the people.
“On this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people.
“I bring to you today, a message of renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead.
“Fellow citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great country.
“I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative energies of our people.
“This is a central objective of our administration’s transformation agenda. Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from strength to strength.’’
President Jonathan urged Nigerians to remain steadfast as the nation was making progress in addressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.
“Our vision is encapsulated in the transformation agenda. We are working hard and making progress on many fronts.
“We have cleaned up our electoral process; our elections are now globally acclaimed to be free and fair. Nigeria is now on a higher pedestal regarding elections.”
The president also assured that his administration would continue to strengthen the bond of unity that bound Nigeria together.
He saluted the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers who he said, brought joy and hope to the hearts of Nigerians when they won independence from Britain on Oct.1, 1960.
“Nigeria made a clean break with more than six decades of colonial rule, and emerged as a truly independent nation.” (NAN)