2025: Atiku, Obi, Kwakwanso, Govs call for unity among Nigerians, revive hope, pledge good governance
By Our Correspondents
Prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwakwanso, and various state governors, have called for unity among Nigerians, urging citizens to put aside differences in pursuit of national progress.
This was contained in their New Year messages, where the urgent need to revive hope and confidence in the country’s future came to the forefront in achieving greatness in the New Year.
Atiku Abubakar, in a statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, urged Nigerians to actively participate in safeguarding the principles of democracy and remain resolute in holding political leaders, at every level of government, accountable.
He noted that the trials of the past year had only served to fortify our faith and called on citizens to nurture our shared hopes of collective prosperity. Atiku reiterated that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, and encouraged Nigerians to remain ever watchful in guarding against any threat to our democracy.
Also, Peter Obi, in his message, welcomed Nigerians into the New Year with a message of hope and encouragement. He urged citizens to remain steadfast in our creator who will give us a new Nigeria that is Possible.
Meanwhile, Rabiu Kwankwaso prayed that the New Year would herald numerous blessings for all of us and encouraged Nigerians to take the lessons of 2024 to serve as a guiding light for this year.
He said, “I rejoice with all Nigerians within and outside the country on the occasion of the new year, 2025. It is my hope that this year will herald numerous blessings for all of us. I also pray that we take the lessons of 2024 to serve as a guiding light for this year.”
In the same vein, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s vision to build a greater Lagos, emphasising sustainable infrastructure, economic growth, and community development.
In his New Year message, Sanwo-Olu reflected on the achievements of his administration in 2024, citing the launch of transformative projects such as the Red Line Rail and the expansion of Blue Line operations.
According to Sanwo-Olu, “As we step into 2025, I celebrate the resilience, innovation, and unity that defined our journey through 2024. Together, we navigated challenges, achieved historic milestones, and set new benchmarks for excellence in governance, infrastructure, and social development.”
He pledged to continue leading and inspiring Lagosians, ensuring that his administration delivers on the trust bestowed upon it.
His Ogun counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun, promised that his administration will continue to foster an economy that promotes growth, equity, and resilience through sustainable development plans.
The governor also admonished the people of the state to set aside their differences and continue to coexist with one another for the peace and development of the state and the country at large.
The governor stressed the need for the people to come together in the new year with renewed vigor and work for the good of society.
He said, “As we journey together in 2025, let us continue to come together as one, with a renewed sense of purpose, regardless of our differences, and work towards the betterment of our beloved state.
“This New Year is an opportunity for us to reflect and remind ourselves of our responsibilities to each other as we are determined to start anew in the New Year.
“I wish to enjoin you that as we step into this New Year, let us do so with renewed hope, determination, and more focus. Let us strive to make Ogun State a beacon of progress, development, and prosperity.”
Also, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has said his government would do more for the people of the state in 2025.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, said his administration would embark on decisive actions that would increase the state residents’ spending powers and ease the economic strains they are facing.
The governor, while speaking on his New Year Message aired on the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, during the Crossover Service, held at the Livingspring Chapel International, on Tuesday night, said he would remain focused and ensure that residents of the state get value for the mandate given to him.
Makinde listed the upgrading of the Ibadan Airport, Alakia to international status, the first segment of the Ibadan Circular Road and further education and enlightenment of residents as some of the projects the government would embark upon in the New Year.
He added that his administration would enforce the rule of law across different sectors, noting that more stringent measures would be taken against traffic offences in the state.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has promised a renewed focus on soft infrastructure in the 2025 fiscal year.
Addressing the people of the state and residents for the new year, the state governor recalled the many advances of his administration across the sectors, maintaining its readiness to prioritize more, the wellness of citizens.
The message, signed by governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, noted that 2025 will witness new and continuation of old social programmes designed to cushion the effect of the hard time on the people of the state.
In a related development, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has assured the people of Benue State that his administration will continue to build on the very firm foundations of development which it has laid, especially in the areas of agriculture, education, economy, infrastructure, youth empowerment, social welfare, poverty alleviation, promising that the state has not seen anything yet in terms of development under his watch.
The Governor stated this on Wednesday in a New Year address to the people of the State. He said the year 2025 presented an opportunity for his administration to be even better than where it was in the last year,
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula.
He urged the people of the state to reflect on his style of leadership and take a stand on what they believe is the best possible path towards a new, greater and better Benue.
Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, has called on citizens of the state not to relent in their efforts towards making Kaduna State the model of development and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
According to him, “2025 holds great promises for Kaduna State and with hard work, perseverance and commitment, 2025 ‘shall be our year of fulfilment,’ God willing.”
