Governance in Nigeria: President Goodluck Jonathan Speaks and I Quote!

[MyInfoStride]

10th March 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Today, as I perform the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Second Niger Bridge, I am fulfilling a promise I made to all Nigerians and more specifically to the people of the Southeast that the Federal Government will ensure that another bridge linking the Southeast to other geo-political regions is built. The impact of this bridge is beyond economics and commerce. This bridge, when completed, will strengthen the Handshake Across the Niger and promote integration amongst the people of Nigeria. Building bridges, and not just physical ones, is something every Nigerian should be engaged in and this administration has taken extra ordinary measures, including the convocation of a National Conference amongst our people, to ensure that just as the physical bridges are being constructed, Nigerians from all geo-political zones can construct new bridges of friendship even as we strengthen old ones. GEJ


3rd March 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:


President Jonathan and Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Participating at the Inter-denominational Centenary Service On Sunday.


Members of the Executive Council of the Federation at the Interdenominational Anniversary Service on Sunday.


President Jonathan With Former Head of The Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and Senate President, Senator David Mark at the Inter-denominational Centenary Anniversary Service on Sunday.



1st March 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:


President Goodluck Jonathan presenting former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, with his Centenary Award on Friday at the Presidential Villa.


President Goodluck Jonathan presenting former President Shehu Shagari with his Centenary Award on Friday at the Presidential Villa.


President Goodluck Jonathan presenting former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, with his Centenary Award on Friday at the Presidential Villa.


28th February 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:


President Jonathan Welcoming the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, President Mohammed Abdel-Aziz, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.


President Jonathan With the President of the Republic of Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Shortly Before Bi-lateral Talks.


14th February 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:


With The British Minister of Foreign Office, Africa & Commonwealth, Mark Simmonds, presenting a letter from the Queen.


13th February 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Today marks the 38th anniversary of the death of a great Nigerian hero, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. A grateful nation will never forget the services you rendered her and I join other Nigerians in praying for the repose of your soul and for God to grant you al jannah firdaus. GEJ


14th January 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

On this day when the Muslim Ummah marks the birth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW), I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating the messenger of Allah through whom the Holy Qur'an was revealed to mankind. The life the prophet lived serves as an inspiration to the faithful and his piety is a model of the ideal Muslim life. On behalf of myself, my family and the Federal Government, I hereby wish all Nigerians a happy Eid-el-Maulud. GEJ

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17th March 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Three weeks ago, we celebrated our centenary as a nation and took stock of what we have achieved in the last hundred years. As we journey into this new century of nationhood, it is necessary that we come together to deliberate on how we can build on the gains of the last century and foster greater understanding amongst the various people of Nigeria so that we can achieve more in the centuries ahead.

This is Nigeria's time. This is our century. All Nigerians must stand behind our flag and place Nigeria first in all we do.

I want to urge all delegates to focus on our togetherness even as we put in our very best to build a cohesive union in the interest of the communities and institutions that we have come to the conference to represent.

I pray for fruitful deliberations and may God bless the conference and Nigeria.

- GEJ

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7th April 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Yesterday, our Gross Domestic Product was rebased to give an accurate picture of where we are as a nation. I am glad to report to you that Nigeria is officially the largest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product of $510 billion which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world.

This feat is a collective achievement of all Nigerians particularly when you take into account the fact that our Per Capita Income had increased by over 60% from $1091 in 2009 to $1700 in 2013, prior to the rebasing.

While this calls for celebration, I personally cannot celebrate until all Nigerians can feel the positive impact of our growth. There are still too many of our citizens living in poverty.

Three years ago, I was asked to define Transformation and I said "Transformation in my view simply means taking what you have and making the best of it and in so doing produce results that can bring about a paradigm shift".

That positive paradigm shift, as occurred yesterday, is still a work in progress.

Regardless of our present challenges, our place as a nation at the table of greatness is assured.

- GEJ.

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29th May 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Democracy Day Speech by President Goodluck Jonathan

Fellow Nigerians,

1. I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

2. Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people."

3. Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year's Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

4. As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

5. As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

6. On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

7. In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

8. Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

9. Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

10. The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.

11. In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria's leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

12. Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people's free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is on-going. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

Dear Compatriots,
13. It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.

14. The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

15. In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.

16. There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

17. I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

18. Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

19. Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

20. It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

21. I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

22. I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

23. For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

24. My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

Dear Compatriots,
25. We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

26. The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

27. We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

Fellow Nigerians,

28. Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

29. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

30. Thank you and God bless Nigeria.



20th April 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Easter symbolizes resurrection, triumph and love.

Our economy was recently recognized as the largest in Africa, meaning that we have resurrected from the effects of the global recession and domestic challenges as a result of the hard work of all Nigerians.

As we celebrate Easter we must be mindful of the Golden Rule taught by Jesus Christ: Love Your Neighbour as Yourself.

This divine exhortation demands that we be conscious of events around our neighbourhood and not leave security to the government and security services alone but report suspicious activities to law enforcement agents.

I have no doubt that we shall triumph over our present challenges and make our country one of the greatest nations in earth.

I wish all Nigerians a happy Easter and May the Almighty God bless you and Nigeria. GEJ

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27th July 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

As we mark the end of Rammadan with the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations, I want to congratulate the Muslim Ummah for a successful fast as well as thank Nigerians for their prayers for Nigeria.

It is my hope that we retain the character improvements that the Ramadan fast fostered in us beyond this season. One of those character traits which the Quran emphasizes is tolerance. Nigeria needs tolerance amongst her people irrespective of region or religion and I commend the Muslim Ummah for demonstrating this virtue even as I recommend it to all of us.

I urge all patriotic Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in defence of freedom, unity, law and order, peace, security and progress of the nation.

I wish all Nigerians the best as we celebrate during this holiday. May God bless Nigeria. GEJ


2nd July 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:




Breaking the fast a few hours ago. The Ramadan fast inspires us to show love to our neighbors and be our brothers and sisters keepers.

- GEJ


29th June 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

As we mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, I urge the Muslim Ummah to use this time of fasting and piety to pray for peace and love to reign amongst all the people of Nigeria. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) taught that this period should be devoted to acts of kindness and for uplifting society through noble acts that spring from deep introspection on the teachings of the holy Quran. We must now and forever be our brother's and sister's keepers. By being our brother's and sister's keepers we can build a just society as envisaged by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Once again, I salute the Muslim Ummah as we commence Ramadan and I also congratulate all Muslims on the sighting of the moon that marks the beginning of this most holy month. GEJ.



27th June 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

My Article in the Washington Post of June 26th 2014. GEJ.



Goodluck Jonathan: Nothing is more important than bringing home Nigeria's missing girls: Goodluck Jonathan: Nothing is more important than bringing home Nigeria's missing girls - The Washington Post



22nd June 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

My dear friends on facebook, the Ekiti gubernatorial election result has now been released by INEC and the loud and unequivocal voice of the Ekiti people has chorused the great song of Free, Fair and Credible Election. The song from Ekiti reaffirms our determination to permanently enthrone the doctrine of: 'One man one vote, one woman one vote, one youth one vote' that we have continued to champion in other to strengthen our democracy. I salute the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its thoroughness in ensuring that the elections were well conducted without hiccups. I congratulate the people of Ekiti state for conducting themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner and above all remaining firm in defence of the power of the ballot. I congratulate the PDP candidate, Chief Ayo Fayose, on his victory and urge him to work with his fellow contestants to fast-track the development of Ekiti state. Finally, I thank all Nigerians for keeping the faith with our democracy. May God bless Nigeria.

- GEJ


15th June 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

I wish all fathers in Nigeria a happy Fathers Day. GEJ




13th June 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

There is no stopping Nigeria. Support our National Team, the Super Eagles, at the #WorldCup2014. GEJ





10th June 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

I wish the Super Eagles Good Luck as they leave for Brazil for the #WorldCup2014. GEJ




29th May 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

President Goodluck Jonathan Test Running the First Coupled-in-Nigeria SUV earlier Today as Part of Activities Marking Democracy Day 2014.

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23rd August 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

This evening, I spoke with Nigeria's Falconets currently participating at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup #Canada2014. I would like to share my words to them with you. I said to them;

You have done very well by getting to the final. I urge you to crown your efforts with ultimate victory tomorrow by playing with the greatest possible artistry, discipline, determination and patriotic zeal.

I look forward to receiving you at the Presidential Villa with the winners' trophy and you can be assured of the immense gratitude of the Federal Government and the very appreciative people of Nigeria.



19th August 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

When this administration launched the new National Automobile policy, I promised Nigerians that our nation will ultimately become a hub for the automobile industry. Today, this promise has been fulfilled several times over as Hyundai Motors joins Kia, Nisan and Innoson Motors as automobile manufacturers who produce cars in Nigeria. This is only the beginning. This policy will be seen to its logical conclusion of making Nigeria an automobile exporting nation after our domestic demands are met in the same manner as we did with our cement sub sector.

- GEJ




13th August 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

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14th September 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

In furtherance of our national security objectives, we are establishing a Special Forces Brigade to meet the challenges of new threats in the environment and thereby aligning our armed forces to greater citizen's protection and national defence.

- GEJ

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21st October 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Yesterday, Nigeria was declared Ebola free by the World Health Organization, (WHO). The declaration is an attestation to the Nigerian Can Do Spirit. It is also a clear demonstration of the many possibilities of our Nation. With us as a people, united under God, there is nothing we cannot achieve when we stand together behind an objective. Unity is the secret weapon Nigeria used against the Ebola Virus Disease and nothing shall be impossible for a united Nigeria. I congratulate and thank all Nigerians on this great feat. I want to also specially thank the governments and peoples of Lagos, Rivers and Enugu states, the first responders who treated the index cases. To all the thirty six state governors who united with the Federal Government to rid Nigeria of this scourge I also say a big thank you. Although we have been declared free of Ebola we must however, remain vigilant as the Ebola virus is still on rampage in neighboring Sister Countries. We cannot afford to let down our guard when there is still Ebola pain in our subregion. In this regard we will spare no resource in supporting our neighbors in the battle to contain this deadly scourge. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

- GEJ



6th October 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:





4th October 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

May this Eid bring us closer as a people, for we are one people from the womb of one Nigeria. GEJ







It is always a delight celebrating Eid-el-Kabir with the Muslim Ummah! GEJ



I congratulate the Muslim Ummah as we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today and join Muslims all over Nigeria in appreciating the virtues of the patriarch Ibrahim. It is worthy of note that prophet Ibrahim is a figure highly respected in Islam and Christianity. This fact underscores the truism that we have a common ligament that engenders our union. As we mark the patriarch's willingness to make sacrifices, I do call on all Nigerians to be willing to make sacrifices for the good of our country, Nigeria. May Allah (SWT) bless us all and Nigeria.

- GEJ



1st October 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

2014 Independence Day Broadcast by
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
Wednesday 1st October, 2014


Fellow Nigerians:
1. Today marks the 54th anniversary of our country's independence as a sovereign nation. This is also the tenth month of our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in January this year.

2. The first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and burdens, opportunities and challenges. We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and prosperous nation. We also overcame the forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war. We have also renewed our faith in one another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient nation.

3. In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people.

4. On an occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives their way. They will not succeed!

5. In their mission, they have maimed and raped. They have killed men, women and children, rendering many children orphans and several women widows.

6. They have made violence their ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear countrymen and women, we will not allow them.

7. Night after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle. My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the civil war.

8. Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.

9. This Administration is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our places of birth, how we worship God and our political persuasion. To all those waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace peace.

10. To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good people of Nigeria, let me restate that our task of building a better and greater country must not waver.

11. While we continue to deploy our resources in the fight against the terrorists, we do recognize the great toll the conflict is taking on our people.

12. This is why, to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims Support Fund, an independent multi-sectoral charity, which will aggressively solicit resources to augment Government's statutory intervention, in bringing succour to the injured, the displaced and the bereaved.

13. In partnership with Nigerian business leaders and international partners, we have also introduced the Safe Schools Initiative which is aimed at promoting safe environments for education nationwide, starting with the North East region.

14. The Presidential Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive programme to fast-track the economic restoration of this region, which has been the epicentre of terrorist activity, has been set up.

15. Our overall objective is to do all we possibly can, to sustain in the North-East, the momentum of economic advancement, which is on-going in other parts of the country, despite the machinations of the terrorists and their sponsors.

16. It should now be clear to anyone who was ever in doubt that these terrorists do not mean well for anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their persistent choice of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides an insight into their abnormal mind-set.

17. I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and the military, in checking this evil.

18. We are grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased partnership and solidarity. Our steady progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly justified our cooperation.

19. Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our union. It was in that regard that we announced the convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country.

20. We have successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of deliberations, which did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment and has handed its Report to me.

21. I have made a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference. This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report.

22. One major lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.



23. To me, the National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must cherish and sustain.

24. Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights.

25. We have been able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy. We are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.

26. Our Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we cannot afford to relent.

27. We will continue to ensure that the will of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people at the polls. Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace, security and transparency.

28. I enjoin the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies, politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully, together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections. Free and fair elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.



29. My dear countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far.

30. Our power sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.

31. Over the last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects have been commissioned and commenced. The level of indigenous asset ownership has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.

32. There has been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment components and parts within the country. There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within the last four years.

33. Today, following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion) which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is progress.



34. Earlier in the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and industrialisation.

35. The success of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

36. In line with our objective of encouraging the production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and competitiveness.

37. We have also launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220 b). This is in addition to the Presidential Job Creation Board which I inaugurated recently with the charge to create three million jobs annually.

38. In demonstration of our Administration's commitment to addressing Nigeria's housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with the establishment of the Nigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company. It is expected that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity.

39. We have recorded notable success in the social sector. Nigeria has been globally acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.



40. This progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the product gets directly to the farmer. We are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have sufficient water supply for dry season farming.

41. A benefit of these combined actions is that our national food import bill has declined from 1.1 trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7 billion naira (4.35 billion dollars) by December 2013, and continues to decline.



42. Modern hybrid schools are being provided for less privileged children across the country, resulting in significant increase in the national school enrolment figure.

43. In order to further enhance access to education at the tertiary level, fourteen new Federal Universities have been established; and, to encourage persons of exceptional abilities, our Administration has also introduced a Presidential Scholarship Scheme based strictly on excellence and merit.

44. On infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges, and new rail lines to make it easier to traverse Nigeria and increase the integration of our people and our ability to do business with each other. In this regard, we have commenced the process of building the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will significantly reduce travel time by road between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going dredging of the River Niger up to Baro in Niger State is opening up large parts of the Nigerian hinterland to maritime activity.

45. The Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro-electric power projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla dam which we started a few years ago, is nearing completion. The successful privatisation of our power sector will in the long run enhance industrial growth. Policies such as this and others have raised Nigeria to the enviable status of being the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa in the past year.

46. The result of this infrastructure drive is that two and a half million jobs have been created over the past two years. This is a record, which we are committed to improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our youth.

47. An unprecedented number of Airports across the country, are not only being reconstructed at the same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed with emphasis on maintaining global standards.

48. Fellow Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our country involve expanding the frontiers of economic freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and one mind. All our people must have access to the good things of life. All our people must be empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness. This is our country; we must build it for our common posterity.

49. As we move into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity are becoming a regular occurrence. Our political leaders in particular must know that the contest for power should not translate to the destruction of the polity.

50. The contest for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual ambitions.

51. We must remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters. The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our goal.

52. I cannot end this address without commenting on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which was sadly brought into our country recently. My directives to the Federal Ministry of Health saw the ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This is how it should be: swift, effective and comprehensive action in defence of citizens.

53. It must be pointed out that the Ebola battle is still raging elsewhere in our sub-region. I therefore enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all the guidelines that have been given by our health officials to keep Ebola out of our country.

54. I appreciate and welcome the spirit of collaboration, unity and partnership with which we confronted the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease. I thank all Nigerians for working together to prevent what could have become a major epidemic. I particularly thank the medical personnel, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

55. This is the spirit which we must demonstrate at all times as we face up to our challenges as a nation: one people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit of one common national interest.

56. As we look forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to our manifest destiny.

57. Fellow countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God.

58. We are one people from the womb of one Nigeria. We are brothers and sisters. We are one family. We are Nigerians.

59. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



20th September 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

With the Oba of Lagos earlier today....Eko oni baje. GEJ

[MyInfoStride]

26 October 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

Today in Israel, I engaged with other Nigerians in prayers for God to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria now and forever. GEJ














25 October 2014 Update from President Goodluck Jonathan Facebook Wall:

I am delighted at the victory of the Super Falcons at the CAF African Women's Championship. They have made Nigeria proud and demonstrated without doubt the great-can-do-spirit of the Nigerian! With this victory, the FIFA Women's World Cup is within reach. May God bless the Super Falcons and may He also Forever bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. GEJ

[MyInfoStride]

For your information, further updates on the Facebook activities of President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria are posted in the following threads:

- President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Diary - November 2014: http://www.theinfostride.com/forum/index.php?topic=199448.0

- President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Diary - December 2014: http://www.theinfostride.com/forum/index.php?topic=199449.0

- President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Diary - January 2015: http://www.theinfostride.com/forum/index.php?topic=199450.0

- President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Diary - February 2015: http://www.theinfostride.com/forum/index.php?topic=199451.0

- President Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook Diary - March 2015: http://www.theinfostride.com/forum/index.php?topic=200218.0