In a decisive statement on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu affirmed that his administration remains committed to implementing additional palliative measures to alleviate the prevailing hardship resulting from the discontinuation of petrol subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate, along with other critical economic reforms.
Furthermore, he assured the nation of a strategic trajectory toward “irreversible progress” in the near future.
“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,” Tinubu affirmed in his maiden Christmas message to Nigerians as President.
In a personally signed statement released by the State House, the President said
“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 materialize and the dreams that fell short.”
The President acknowledged that the past six months of his administration “has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country,”.
He said, “I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.”
Therefore, Tinubu appealed to citizens 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.”
He added, “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 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 “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.”
He prayed that the light of Christmas guides every Nigerian as 2023 draws to a close and ushers in the new year.
“I wish you all a merry Christmas,” he concluded.