'New dawn nears' - President Tinubu's message to Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu promised Nigerians the country would “shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress" in his Christmas Day message to Nigerians on Sunday, December 24.

The President promised that he would continue to roll out more palliative measures that will ease the hardship occasioned by the discontinuance of petrol subsidy, and the unification of the exchange rate, among other economic reforms of his administration.

In the personally-signed Christmas goodwill message, he acknowledged that the past six months of his administration “has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country”

“I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices,” he said, and therefore appealed to Nigerians to “hold fast and rest assured” of his commitment to “govern with vision, dedication, and empathy,” as he transits the nation “to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope.”

“Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress,” Tinubu said.

He promised that “my administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.

“Fellow Nigerians, Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life.”

“For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.

“This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short,” Tinubu said in his maiden Christmas message to Nigerians as President.

He also urged Nigerians to, in the spirit of Christmas and reflecting the best of Jesus Christ, extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around them who need it.

“…and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year,” he advised.

The Nigerian leader also asked citizens to “please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety” praying that “God protects them and bring them back to their families.”

Ahead of the January 15 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Tinubu called on Nigerians to “let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones.”