The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Nigerians for witnessing the New Year 2021 despite the challenges of the past year.
In a New Year message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker urged Nigerians to keep hope alive in the year 2021.
He said Nigerians should use the experiences of the preceding year, 2020, which he described as very challenging, to work towards a better 2021.
The Speaker who expressed optimism that the year 2021 holds a lot of positives for Nigeria and Nigerians, underscored the need for the citizens to remain positive.
Hon Gbajabiamila also called for continuous unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, saying “we have no other country than Nigeria; this is the only country we can call ours.
“It is my hope and prayer that the year 2021 will be better than all the preceding years of our nation’s history.
“In this New Year, let’s remain resolute and determined in our nationhood. Yes, we may be going through challenges as a nation, but with our collective determination, we shall overcome,” Hon. Gbajabiamila said.
The Speaker also wished Nigerians a year full of prosperity.
In the same vein, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase urged Nigerians not to despair inspite of the challenges bedevilling the country.
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Hon Wase, in a New Year message signed by his chief press secretary, Umar Muhammad Puma, advised Nigerians to believe in the prosperity of the country.
The Deputy Speaker also pleaded with Nigerians to have faith in their leaders and continue to pray for them at all levels for the wisdom to lead right.
He said: “On behalf of my family, constituents and indeed the House of Representatives, I wish to heartily rejoice with all our countrymen and women for seeing off the year 2020 and successfully entering 2021.
“I thank the Almighty Allah for keeping us going and keeping Nigeria as one inspite of the challenges we have had in the last decade.
“God had a reason for keeping Nigeria as one united entity urging Nigerians to believe that the new year could be better.
“I urge you not to despair but to remain patriotic as ever and believe that not matter how difficult things may be, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
“The challenges we are experiencing in Nigeria today are just temporarily and with your prayers and cooperation, we shall all smile soon. So, continue to pray for your leaders at every level of government, cooperate with them and contribute in your own little way to make Nigeria a great nation.”
The Deputy Speaker also paid glowing tributes to the nation’s military for their sacrifice in fighting insurgency and insecurity generally saying their efforts will never be in vain.
“I commend the Nigerian military and security agencies for their resilience, bravery and courage in tackling security challenges. I urge you not to give up but continue your good works for the benefit of every Nigerian,” he said.