Buhari Urges Nigerians To Approach 2022 With Hope 

Despite the nation’s issues, Buhari claims that 2021 was a year in which his administration successfully completed major projects.

News Agency of Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to look forward to 2022 with optimism, envisioning a year of continuing development in the face of the country’s combined security and socioeconomic problems.

This was mentioned by the president in his 2022 New Year greeting, which was issued on Friday by the State House Media Unit in Abuja.

Despite the nation’s issues, President Buhari said that 2021 was a year in which his administration successfully implemented critical projects, programs, and initiatives to fulfill the pledges made under the Security, Economy, and Anti-Corruption (SEA) agenda.

He said: “In spite of the challenges we have faced as a Nation, the good news is that we have so far recorded four consecutive quarters of growth after the negative growth rates recorded in Quarter II and Quarter III of 2020 due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we welcome 2022, let us, with hope, envision a year of continued progress against our combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.

“As it is said, the past is but a story told, the future will still be written in gold.

“Let us be united in our fight to keep our Nation united against all odds and with gratitude, celebrate life in this new epoch.’’

The president stated that his government has focused more resources on combating corruption and other associated crimes, which he claims have hampered the country’s progress and prosperity.

According to him, the country has achieved significant progress and breakthroughs via the creative use of technology and forensics in investigative and prosecuting procedures, with impressive outcomes demonstrating that the administration’s anti-corruption push is working.

“In the meantime, the accomplishments that have been recorded so far can be traced to the dedication of the Nation’s anti-corruption Agencies who have received the necessary support needed to effectively prosecute their duties,’’ he added.

On security issues, the president stated that ongoing insecurity in some sections of the country may have threatened to undo the gradual advances made in the real economy and the administration’s broader goal of putting the country on an irreversible path of sustained prosperity and progress.

He did promise, though, that his administration will remain steadfast in its efforts to confront the nation’s security and socioeconomic concerns.

The president said: “There is no doubt that the issue of Security remains at the front burner of priority areas that this Administration has given utmost attention to.

“As a follow up to our promise to re-energize and reorganize the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police, it is on record that this administration has invested heavily in re-equipping our military in line with upgrading the platforms and firepower required to tackle the current challenges being faced in the country.

“The net results of these efforts have been the number of insurgents and bandits who have willingly surrendered to our Security Forces and continue to do so through various channels and the Safe Corridor created for that purpose.

“Government, however, realizes that victory on the battlefield is just one aspect of sustainable victory.

“We know that to fully win this war, we must also win the peace and real security lies in winning the hearts and minds of the affected citizens.

“To this end, working with our international partners and neighbouring countries, we would be deploying multi-faceted solutions that will be targeted at addressing human security at the grassroots, before it leads to insecurity.’’

President Buhari paid tribute to the brave soldiers, police officers, and other security personnel who have given their lives to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity from both internal and external aggressors.

Their sacrifices will not be in vain, he told their families.

He assured their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

“We equally remember and commiserate with Nigerians who have lost loved ones as a result of insecurity in different parts of the country.

“Every life matters and every single death caused by any form of insecurity is a matter of personal concern to me both as a citizen and as the President of this great country.

“We remain fully committed to upholding the constitutional provisions that protect all Nigerians from any form of internal and external aggression,’’ he added.

“A very happy and successful New Year,” the president wished all citizens.