President Goodluck Jonathan this morning spoke of the significance of Christmas while also calling for more prayers from Nigerians as the country continues to contend with enormous security and economic challenges.

“Christmas and the lessons of Jesus Christ’s mission on earth have great significance for us as a people and there can be no doubt that we all, irrespective of our religious beliefs, can draw immense strength and inspiration from the Messiah’s enduring personification of selflessness, dedication to duty, and commitment to the well-being of others,” Dr. Jonathan said in his traditional Christmas Message.

Elaborating on the significance of Christmas and how it should affect Nigeria, the President said: “The virtues and ideals of peace, tolerance, faithfulness, honesty, justice, fairness, true wisdom, knowledge and understanding which He taught and exemplified also remain very relevant to us in Nigeria as we continue to grapple with the challenges of development and nation-building.

“My Administration continues to do its best to give our beloved country effective leadership towards rapidly overcoming present challenges.

“As we celebrate Christmas, the ultimate significance of which is the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Saviour for mankind, I urge you all to continue to trust in our unwavering commitment to fully achieving the objectives of our Agenda for National Transformation for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

He appealed to Nigerian never to doubt his administration’s “political will and determination to deliver on our promise of positive changes in the living conditions of our people in the shortest possible time.”

“While we continue to deal with the regrettable distractions posed by threats to peace and security in parts of the country, the Federal Government remains very focused on the primary objective of achieving significant improvements in priority areas such as public infrastructure, power supply, transportation, roads, health, education, job creation, agriculture and industrialisation as quickly as possible,” Jonathan stated, adding:

“It is my hope and expectation that more of the efforts, actions and measures we are already undertaking in these areas will successfully come to fruition next year and make the results of the diligent project planning and execution being done under this administration more apparent to all Nigerians.”

He expressed “sincere appreciation, once again, to the vast majority of patriotic Nigerians who have kept faith” with his administration since its inception.

“We will continue to count on your support and cooperation, as well as your prayers for peace, stability and progress of our beloved nation,” the President said, while wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas.

•Photo: President Jonathan.

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