Francis Sadhere
President Goodluck Jonathan has said that despite challenges facing the nation, the country was making progress, noting that citizens have a role to play in the socio-economic recovery of the nation.
The President stated this, today, during the 26th anniversary of Word of life Bible Church Jubilee Word Celebration with the theme, “Recover All” which took place at the Word of Life Bible Church Warri, Delta State.
He said that with the help of God and positive role of all the citizens in the country, his administration’s policies and programmes were having positive effect on the country.
The President who took his Bible reading from the book of Psalm 106: 1-3, also revealed that the nation’s GDP had increased to 7% since his inception into office, a sign he said, was an indication that the nation was progressing steadily
While urging politicians to play politics without acrimony, President Jonathan said nation building was a task for all citizens.
The President noted that the diversification effort of his government had begun to churn out employment opportunities for the teaming Nigerian youths.
President Jonathan also urged citizens to imbibe the culture of adding strong personal economic values to the country.
The President was optimistic that the Boko Haram upsurge would be a thing of the past as his administration was doing all it can to address the security issues in the country.
He applauded the role of the church in nation building, stressing that if not for the church the country would had been plunged into anarchy.
President Jonathan also assured the citizens that by next year the issue of power would be a thing of the past, adding that power was essential socio-economic development of the nation.
On the issue of compensation for victims of Boko Haram, President Jonathan explained that the Federal Government was looking at ways to assist the victims, adding that they do not want to bring confusion into the country the country because of compensation.
Also on the issue of pension, President Jonathan said that his government was doing everything within their power to ensure that all arrears are paid to all pensioners in the state.
President Jonathan also pointed out that corruption and religious intolerance which had bedeviled the country can be done away with if citizens change their attitudes.
He also commended the Golden Eaglet for winning the World Cup in the just concluded under 17 World Cup competition.
Earlier, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended President Jonathan for honouring his invitation, and being the first Nigerian President to embark on Holy Pilgrimage to Israel and signing a bilateral agreement with Israel.
Pastor Oritsejafor also appealed to President Jonathan to look into the current faceoff between the Federal Government and ASUU, noting that his personal involvement can bring the strike to an end.
He commended President Jonathan’s effort in the agric, power, rail and other sectors, noting that his efforts in these sectors were worthy of commendation.
He also commended the National Assembly for extending the curfew in the three Northern states, adding that his decision was the right direction.
The CAN President also state that he wanted a country where hard work will be rewarded and crime punished.
On the National Conference set up by President Jonathan, Pastor Ayo said that dialogue was essential in building peace, adding that he believed that the national dialogue will work.
Present at the occasion were, Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Jonah Jang of Plateau State, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, representatives of Bayelsa and Benue States, traditional rulers and other eminent personalities.
