CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: Tinubu acknowledges his reforms bring untold hardship on Nigerians, promises relief {FULL TEXT}

By KEMI KASUMU

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerian citizens of his administration’s commitment to alleviating their hardships amid ongoing economic reforms.

In his Christmas message to Nigerians, Tinubu acknowledged that the “necessary reforms” implemented this year to achieve greater national prosperity had brought difficulties on Nigerians.

President Tinubu described 2023 as a period of significant transformation and change in Nigeria.

He said, “This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.

“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, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and renewed hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.

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

President Tinubu also extended his festive greetings to Nigerians, highlighting themes of hope, transformation, and compassion.

On the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, Tinubu emphasised the universal significance of Christmas as a time of joy, love, and friendship for people of all faiths.

He acknowledged the varied emotions of the season, recognizing that, for many, the festivities are mingled with sadness due to lost loved ones or unfulfilled dreams.

President Tinubu called for a spirit of kindness and empathy mirroring the teachings of Christ.

He urged Nigerians to support those around them, especially those facing hardship, even as he underscored the importance of collective acts of kindness.

President Tinubu asked for prayers and remembrance for the men and women of Nigeria’s armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices for national safety. He also paid homage to those who lost their lives in service, praying for comfort for their families and loved ones.

President Tinubu called upon the spirit of Christmas to guide Nigeria into the new year, expressing optimism for a brighter future.

Read full text ofbtge President’s Christmas message below:

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF  THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS  EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR.

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.

In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year.

This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.

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, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.

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

As you celebrate this season, 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. My God protect them and bring them back to their families.

And 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.

Let the light of Christmas guide our paths as we bring this year to a close and usher in the new year.

I wish you all a merry Christmas.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 24, 2023