Eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has expressed confidence in the President Buhari-led administration, adding that despite the current economic challenges facing the country, the future is bright if only Nigerians could complement government’s efforts in achieving sustainable development.
According to Kalu, it is time for Nigerians to adjust their lifestyles in the face of economic realities of today, pointing out that the economic crunch in the country will be overcome through diversification of the country’s economic base with much emphasis on foreign exchange-generating investment.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, Kalu said, “2017 will be promising for Nigerians if we can imbibe the doctrine of patriotism and selflessness in our daily endeavours.
“The past year was challenging.
However, we have to reflect on the past in order to forge ahead in the new year.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources and as such, everyone deserves a decent life devoid of economic hardship.
“It is time for people in leadership positions to see themselves as the hope of the masses.
“It is my firm belief that if we commit our efforts to nation-building, Nigeria will be great again and meet the expectations of her citizens”.
Kalu while congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad who made it into 2017 and commiserating with those that lost their loved ones in 2016, tasked all and sundry on national development.
The former governor noted that through hard work and togetherness, Nigeria will earn its rightful place in the comity of nations.
The business mogul who used the opportunity to appeal to government to provide a conducive business environment, urged well-meaning Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike to invest in the local economy.
2017 will bring succour to Nigerians –Dogara
From Kemi Yesufu and Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged Nigerians to be resilient in the face of the current hardship in the country, saying 2017 would bring succour to their sufferings.
Dogara in his New Year message to Nigerians issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, assured that some positive results of the new policies and initiatives of the present government will begin to manifest in this year leading to an improved quality of life for the citizens.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammad Buhari is fully aware of the hardship faced by Nigerians. As members of the same government, we can assure that in the New Year, succour will come the way of our people as we work to provide long lasting solutions to the myriad of problems,” Dogara said. He said further: “On our part, the National Assembly shall also go to work as the central institution of democracy through which the will of the people is expressed. We shall not fail the nation in ensuring effective scrutiny of the national government for effective implementation of all legislative frameworks especially the 2017 budget. “Be assured that the House of Representatives is not resting on its oars to pass legislation that will provide support for the actualisation of the lofty ideas of the change mantra of this government”.
The Speaker also called on Nigerians to keep praying and working hard to ensure the peace, unity and prosperity of the country.
We’re taking Lagos to next pedestal –Ambode
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has ressured Lagosians that he would work assiduously to ensure that the state is taken to the next pedestal in this year, especially in the areas of physical and social infrastructural development.
The Governor, in his New Year Message to Lagosians, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the state government has earmarked several developmental projects which it intends to undertake in 2017, restating that he remained totally committed to his promise to deliver a vibrant, non-discriminatory, clean, prosperous and safer Lagos.
He said while the state witnessed significant improvements in its performance indices due to the massive investment on its tripod of Security, Infrastructure and Job Opportunities in 2016, more emphasis would be placed on sustaining the growth in 2017 through people-oriented programmes and policies which cut across education, health, agriculture, housing, tourism environment, among others.
“In 2017, we shall carry out fundamental reforms on all our modes of transportation – roads, water and the walkways. In this wise, an integrated transport management system is a priority. The government will embark on the urbanisation of the Marina axis, waterways channelisation, establishment of more parks and gardens as well as the community sports centres and stadiums in different locations across the state,” the governor said.
2017: Akeredolu assures of overall development for Ondo
From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Governor-elect of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has assured the people of the state of overall development of all sectors of the economy in 2017.
Akeredolu in his New Year message issued by Mr Steve Otalor, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that will be inaugurated in February will cater for the needs of the people of the state.
He admonished the people of Ondo State to keep hope alive in the face of the current economic quagmire in the state as there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Mimiko harps on Nigerian unity in 2017
From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has identified the need for more perseverance and determination from the populace to ensure the unity of the nation in the face of the current economic and security challenges threatening her unity. Governor Mimiko also implored Nigerians to be resolute in ensuring that the nation remains indivisible in the face of the numerous challenges that have come to test the will of her people to remain united.
In his New Year message issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko said: “The country’s multi-ethnic composition should be the source of strength and unity, as no component part of this configuration is easily dispensable.”
Stressing that the country belongs to all, Mimiko said, “the political class and the governed have the responsibility to make the system work because tomorrow promises to be better.”
We’ll produce highly qualified, employable people –Obaseki
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured the people of the state that in 2017, he would continue to build on the successes achieved in the last eight years at a much faster pace.
Affirming that his goal is to attract investments and make Edo State one of the easiest places to locate businesses and industries in Nigeria, he said that his administration had commenced actions to invest in and improve on technical and vocational schools so that they would “train and produce highly qualified and employable people.”
He added: “The development of Gelegele as a port and industrial zone is of high priority to the government as it will improve the economic competitiveness of our state. I have therefore set up a seven member, high-powered committee headed by Engineer Gregory Ero, to establish Gelegele as a foremost economic and industrial hub in Nigeria.”
He frowned at the lawless activities of some individuals who have persisted in harassing and extorting innocent citizens under the guise of collecting taxes and levies.
Henceforth, he said, only employees of government can collect taxes and levies in Edo state. He, therefore, cancelled all arrangements to collect taxes or levies entered into by any state or local government agency in Edo state with immediate effect.