New Year Message: What the Governors said

STATE Governors across Nigeria have urged their respective citizens to promote unity while they adhere to Covid-19 protocols to limit the spread of the virus.

In their respective New Year messages, the governors appealed to Nigerians to live together peacefully regardless of existing differences to promote the socio-economic development of the country.

Here are some the messages:

OYO

Governor Seyi Makinde said in 2020 his government was able to address infrastructure deficit in the state, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

He urged residents to be positive about 2021, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to its promise of uplifting the state. He maintained that he would never take the support of the people for granted.

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PLATEAU

Governor Simon Bako Lalong said Nigerians should be optimistic and pray for recovery and progress, despite the challenges of 2020.

He said it would take only the deliberate synergy between the government, private sector and citizens to overcome the economic challenges brought about by Covid-19 and recession, through a pursuit of set objectives to create opportunities for recovery and growth.

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BENUE

Governor Samuel Ortom said he was optimistic that despite the many challenges the state encountered last year, it was on the path of realising the vision of an economically self-reliant state.

He is optimistic that the state, a prosperous federating unit of Nigeria, anchored on the fear of God, would recover from both economic and pandemic crisis which had affected the economy adversely.

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BAUCHI

Governor Bala Mohammed has urged citizens, irrespective of ethnic colouration, political differences or religious persuasions, to stay united for the development of the state.

“I appeal to our citizens to brace up for the second wave of Covid-19. We must see and treat this disease as a clear and present danger that requires sacrifice, discipline and commitment to fight it,” he said.

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TARABA

Governor Darius Ishaku urged the people of the state to use the lessons and experiences from the previous year to guide their actions and decisions in 2021. In the New Year message, Ishaku also urged them to forgive one another and make peace with their neighbours.

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RIVERS

Governor Nyesom Wike called for urgent attention over the second wave of Covid-19 in the state. He had earlier warned that he would lock down the state in this month if residents continue to flout the protocols.

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LAGOS

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu prayed and hoped that 2021 will be a year of rekindled hope for all in every facet of life. He said:

“In 2021, we must have that belief and rekindled hope that things would get better. We should not forget the learning and the lessons because it is only when you have learnt from what has happened that you can become a better person going forward. And there should not be any form of bitterness and anger.

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DELTA

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa appealed to residents to eschew complacence and resume full compliance with the Covid-protocols to check the spread of the virus as prescribed by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). He urged them to continue to live in peace with their neighbours so that the government can channel the little resources at its disposal to the development of the communities. He said his administration will ensure that the state remains secured just as social services, including the provision of adequate infrastructure, will be given adequate attention in the new year.

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NIGER

Governor Abubakar Bello urged residents to remain hopeful, steadfast and prayerful for a better 2021. He asked them to support government in its battle against insecurity, Covid-19 and determination to surmount economic challenges that bedevevilled the state and the country.

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GOMBE

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said 2021 offers the people a new opportunity to renew their faith in God, as well as commitment to state and country. “As we enter the New Year, I call on all of us to draw on the lessons learnt in 2020 in all aspects of human endeavours and continue to work assiduously for the peace, progress, security and development of the state,” Yahaya said.

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OSUN

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said his government was “able to provide equitable and adequate services for our people across sectors and prove that even in the face of gross adversity and crass challenges, we can secure our people and deliver services.”

He said its achievements, last year, despite the Coronavirus lockdown and the #EndSARS protest, are indicators of the massive development that awaits the state in the new year.

“We shall sustain the provision of equitable and quality services in the critical and other sectors across the state.”

Oyetola advised Nigerians to forget about the negativity of 2020 and enter the New Year with positive minds that 2021 would bring prosperity.