By Gideon Maxwell
January 1, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation, delivering a message of hope and commitment to achieving a brighter future for Nigeria.
In his New Year address, he acknowledged the challenges of 2024 but expressed confidence that 2025 would bring significant progress for the country.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health,” the President began, extending warm wishes to all Nigerians.
He continued, emphasising the potential for growth and prosperity in the coming year: “As the new year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.”
Despite the numerous challenges faced in 2024, including economic difficulties, President Tinubu highlighted the positive outlook for the nation’s economy.
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“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 President acknowledged the continued concern over food and essential drug prices, promising government action in 2025.
“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,” he assured the nation.
He also set an ambitious goal to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%.
A significant part of the address focused on economic reforms and accessibility to credit.
“To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises,” he announced, with the initiative set to begin operations by the second quarter of 2025.
This move aims to enhance the confidence of the financial system and support under-served groups like women and youth.
The President also took a moment to express his gratitude to the Nigerian people: “Thank you for placing your confidence in me as your president. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.”
Emphasising the importance of national unity, President Tinubu called for citizens to set aside political, ethnic, and regional differences.
“Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion,” he said.
In his address, the President also stressed the importance of ethical values and national identity.
“In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project,” he declared.
The National Values Charter, set to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2025, will encourage greater patriotism and unity.
As part of the government’s commitment to youth engagement, President Tinubu announced the Youth Confab, scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
“The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population,” he added.
He also encouraged state governors and local council chairpersons to collaborate with the federal government to seize opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms.
He commended the adoption of clean energy initiatives by some states, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric vehicles, as part of Nigeria’s energy transition.
In closing, the President reminded Nigerians of their role in the nation’s progress: “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.”
“God bless you all, and may God bless our beloved country, Nigeria. Happy New Year and a prosperous 2025 to you all!” he concluded.
