The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a statement wishing the citizens a prosperous 2025 affirmed that collective hopes will be fulfilled this year, despite the challenges and turmoil of 2024.
Tinubu revealed this on Wednesday on his verified X account, hinting that things are beginning to look better on all frontiers except in food and drugs which are an average Nigerian can barely afford.
In his words: “Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation. Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters. Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability.  
“The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy. Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.  
“In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.” The president pledge
He highlighted a few things that his administration planned for the citizens to help them sustain and help them derive economic growth, through credit facilities.
According to PBAT: “In this New Year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.  
“To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
“The Company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.
“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.”
He encouraged Nigerians to keep hope alive and not compromise their allegiance to the country, which he stated will help in achieving national goals and objectives.
“Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.  
“I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.
“The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.  
“As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.  
“The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.”
He asked all governors council chairpersons to maintain close rapport with the people and opened their eyes to opportunities that abound in agriculture, livestock and other sectors which can assist in boosting the gross income of the country.
He furthered applauded the citizens steadfastness and sacrifices that they have made and will keep making, while assuring that their efforts will not be in vain.
In his words: “I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.  
“To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.”

By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth