YULETIDE: TINUBU PROMISES MORE INTERVENTIONS TO ALLEVIATE HARDSHIP

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By Sefiu Ajape

On Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that in addition to other economic changes, his administration will keep implementing further palliative measures to lessen the spiraling hardship brought on by the elimination of petrol subsidy and the unification of exchange rate.

He also promised to place Nigeria on a path of “irreversible progress” shortly.

“My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people,” Tinubu affirmed in his maiden Christmas message to Nigerians as President.

In a statement personally signed and released by the State House, the President said.

“Fellow Nigerians, Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life.

“For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.

“This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialize and the dreams that fell short.”

The President admitted that the past six months of his administration “has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country”.

He said, “I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.”

To that end, Tinubu appealed to citizens to “hold fast and rest assured” of his commitment to “govern with vision, dedication, and empathy,” as he transits the nation “to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope.”

He added, “Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress.”

Tinubu also urged Nigerians to, in the spirit of Christmas and reflecting the best of Jesus Christ, extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around them who need it.

“…and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year,” he advised.

The Nigerian Leader further asked citizens to “please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety” praying that “God protects them and bring them back to their families.”

Ahead of the January 15 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Tinubu called “Let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones.”

He prayed that as 2023 comes to an end and a new year dawns, the light of Christmas leads every Nigerian.

“I wish you all a merry Christmas,” he concluded.