The
number one citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck
Jonathan has sent a special New Year message to the beautiful people of
Nigeria.
Dear
Compatriots,
I
greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the year 2014 which promises to
be a momentous one for our country for several reasons, including the fact that
it is also the year of our great nation’s centenary celebrations.
I
join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for guiding us and our beloved
nation safely through all the challenges of the outgoing year to the beginning
of 2014.
Exactly
100 years ago today, on January 1, 1914, the British Colonial authorities
amalgamated what was then the separate Protectorates of Southern Nigeria and
Northern Nigeria, giving birth to the single geopolitical entity known as
Nigeria.
For
us therefore, today is not just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a
century of national existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for
sober reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria.
Whatever
challenges we may have faced, whatever storms we may have confronted and
survived, Nigeria remains a truly blessed country, a country of gifted men and
women who continue to distinguish themselves in all spheres of life, a country
whose diversity remains a source of strength.
We
pay tribute today, as always to our founding fathers and mothers, and all the
heroes and heroines whose toil and sweat over the century made this country
what it is today.
As
I noted, a few days ago, the amalgamation of 1914 was certainly not a mistake
but a blessing. As we celebrate 100 years of nationhood, we must resolve to
continue to work together as one, united people, to make our country even
greater.
I
assure you that our administration remains fully committed to the progressive
development of our country and the consolidation of peace, unity and democratic
governance in our fatherland.
Despite
several continuing domestic and global challenges, for us in Nigeria, the year
2013 witnessed many positive developments which we will strive to build upon in
2014.
Thank
you Mr. President.