*The Nigerian governors have urged the citizens not to lose hope, as the New Year 2022 would be a bright and prosperous one for both states and Nigeria as a whole

**Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State reassures Lagosians he will continue to be giving of himself, deliver good governance, and provide purposeful leadership to everyone in the ‘Centre of Excellence’

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to yet another pandemic-ridden year (2021), accompanied by the increasing cases of the damaging Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, insecurity, and economic challenges among others, the the Nigerian governors have asked the people not to lose hope in the country in their New Year messages.

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to usher in 2022, governors in various states have congratulated the people in their various states on the occasion of the New Year celebration, reports Channels TV.

From the North to the South, to the East and West, the chief executives of the states conveyed their goodwill messages in statements while others addressed the residents in state broadcasts.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State (middle), Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (left), and Mr. Gbenga  Omotoso, Honourable Commissioner for Information ans Strategy, at a recent programme at the Lagos House, in Ikeja   File Photo

Following another pandemic-ridden year accompanied by rising cases of COVID, insecurity, and economic challenges among others, the governors asked the people not to lose hope in the country.

In a statement by his spokesman, Nathaniel Ikyur, Governor Samuel Ortom praised the people of Benue State and Nigerians for their resilience in the face of daunting security and economic challenges in the past year.

He believed the people have demonstrated their indomitable spirit for survival against unabating security and the harsh economic situation compounded by the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

“The year 2021 was no doubt challenging,” he said. “But I’m happy our people rose to the occasion. The lessons of the past year will serve as a useful instrument that will guide us to fruition in the years ahead.”

Governor Ortom thanked the Benue people who stood by him through thick and thin, promising that their interest, welfare, and well-being would remain his firm commitment, mission, and purpose throughout the days of his administration.

He assured them that his administration would continue to implement policies, programmes, and projects that have a direct and positive impact on them.

The governor, however, urged the people to be vigilant against terrorists who have continued to wreck communities and displace people from their ancestral lands.

He encouraged individuals and groups to ensure that they cooperate with the security agencies so as to keep the state free from criminal activities of terrorist gangs, saying, “In doing so, you must endeavour to give useful information to government through security operatives in order to nip any threat in the bud”.

For the governor, this is necessary to ensure a smooth and orderly society as the nation approaches the 2023 general elections. He reminded the electorate to make informed and right choices during the elections.

He promised them that his administration would leave Benue State better than he met it and wished the residents a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Keep hope alive

On his part, Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, assured the people of the state of a glorious and eventful 2022, with a promise of a full crystallization of a vision started over six years ago.

He stated that given the aggressive industrialisation drive of his administration which began barely one year into office, the state was already on an irreversible path to economic prosperity and greatness.

Thanking the people for their fidelity and unwavering support for his administration in the past years, the governor urged them to embrace the new year with steadfastness, faith, and hope.

He maintained that his administration has been able to firmly secure the future of the state through massive industrialisation with the establishment of industries across the state.

Governor Ayade called on residents to put the state above narrow considerations and not allow self-seeking politicians to manipulate them for their selfish end.

He also urged them to keep hope alive, wished them a refreshing and fulfilling new year, and asked them not to be complacent in complying with the COVID-19 protocols, especially in the face of the fast-spreading variant – omicron.

Better days are ahead, says Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State

In Adamawa, Governor Umaru Fintiri called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, love, reconciliation, and re-dedication to the service of God and humanity in the year 2022.

“The end of the year and the beginning of a new one provides us all with an opportunity for reflection and introspection, as well as to plan.

“But most importantly, it is a time to give thanks to the Almighty God for the gift and for his care and provision to all of us,” he said in a statement.

While wishing the people of Adamawa a happy, safe and prosperous 2022, the governor noted the plans and efforts of the government.

“We thank God for bringing us safely to the end of an eventful year. As we celebrate the end of an extraordinary year and look forward with hope to personal, state, and national progress in 2022, I urge you to be more committed to the Adamawa project and support our plans for the economic development of the state, as we intend to do more in terms of infrastructural renewal, human capital development, and welfare of our people,” the governor said.

“Looking back on the achievements and milestones made in the course of 2021, I know that there are those among us who have had a very difficult year, either economically or through personal tragedies such as the loss of loved ones, or those battling illnesses and other troubling situations.

“To you, it is my hope and prayer that the new year will usher in better days for you and for all of us”.

The governor specifically praised healthcare givers as the world battles the omicron COVID-19 variant and encouraged people to be vaccinated against the pandemic.

‘We emerged victorious’

“The year 2021 was historic for Ndi Imo, partly with the wrong reasons but largely, for the remarkable records, we have achieved in tackling challenges that confronted us as a state,” Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State said in his New Year message.

He added, “Despite the distorted flow of governance, we sailed through with dedication, commitment and progression.

“All these were made feasible by the unflinching support and resilience of Ndi Imo, which I do not take for granted.

“Through thick and thin, we emerged victorious to the glory of God Almighty and his grace shall abound in this new year.

“Having recorded tremendous results in the restoration of peace and tranquillity in our dear state, it is now time to tackle development head-on.

“The expectations of Ndi Imo in this regard, shall not be cut short for we have set in motion, mechanisms to actualise these.”

The governor further stated: “From the foregoing, I, therefore, welcome Ndi Imo nile to the year 2022. Having signed into law, the People’s Budget of 2022 as appropriated by the people’s representatives, the implementation shall reflect the developmental and economic expectations of Ndi Imo in this 2022.

“As we offer thanksgiving to the Lord for His faithfulness and mercies, let us endeavour to be a reflection of His goodness in our society and to our neighbours, for in a harmonious and peaceful cohabitation, development thrives faster.

“I celebrate Ndi Imo nile and welcome you, once again, to the year 2022, with compliments.”

Show optimism: Niger Governor

In Niger State, Governor Abubakar Bello called on the residents to continue to have hope and trust in the ability of his administration to work for the progress, growth, and development of the state.

The governor said the state government would work towards the successful actualisation of its programmes and policies as captured in the 2022 budget.

He urged the people to show optimism and be encouraged by the fact that his administration would not relent in sustaining the ongoing infrastructural revolution aimed at improving the general well-being of the people.

Governor Bello also spoke about the government’s fight against insecurity and renewed the call for the strict observance of all precautionary measures against the COVID-19 virus.

According to him, the security of the state will remain his administration’s major focus in the new year in order to stop banditry and other criminal tendencies towards sustaining the relatively peaceful and harmonious coexistence in the state.

While felicitating with the people, the governor praised the gallantry of the military and all security agencies involved in the fight against insecurity and appealed to the people to play their roles to ensure success in the battle against evil.

“As we celebrate the new year, we must put the interest of the state over and above other considerations and work towards attaining our collective aspirations,” he said.

Lessons learned

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on his part, urged the people of the state to reflect and draw on the lessons learned in the preceding year in all aspects of human endeavours and continue to work for peace and unity, as well as security and development of the state and the country as the new year begins.

He projected that 2022 will offer the citizenry a new vista and opportunity to renew their faith in God, as he urged them to look to the future with optimism.

The governor also expressed optimism that the year 2022 would be a bright and prosperous one for both the state and Nigeria.

He acknowledged the resilience and perseverance of the people of the state in the midst of socio-economic difficulties, insecurity, and the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its consequential effects and asked them to maintain the undying spirit and enter 2022 with hope and renewed faith.

While urging the people to continue to live in peace with one another, he assured them of continued support and cooperation with security agencies to combat all forms of criminal activities in the state.

He congratulated the citizenry on seeing the end of 2021 and stepping into the new year in high spirit and encouraged them to continue to work hard enough and show resilience in order to overcome the challenges and emerge stronger.

“The year 2022 holds a great promise for all of us through improved security, youths and women empowerment, and greater attention to infrastructure and socio-economic development across all sectors.

“As we enter the new year, I call on all of us to draw on the lessons learned in 2021 in all aspects of human endeavours and continue to work assiduously for the peace, progress, security, and development of the state,” he said.

Spirit of love

In his New Year message, Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, asked residents to continuously collaborate with security agencies to root out criminals anywhere they are hiding in the state.

He urged the Presidency and the National Assembly to work together to create an Electoral Act that would make elections in Nigeria transparent and acceptable.

While giving security operatives a pat on the back for vehemently fighting crime in the state, the governor urged them to deploy their eagle eyes as political activities take off this year.

“Taraba State has had a very interesting year in 2021 and the good Lord has been able to see us through despite the challenges therein,” he said.

“Today, our new year resolution should be to make a solemn pledge to the descent citizens by providing our fair share no matter how small to our beloved state, a better place for everybody which can only be accomplished if we stick to the law and inculcate the spirit of love and togetherness and being our brother’s keeper.

“Our watchword should be security awareness as last year I had the opportunity of donating Toyota Hilux vans to security operatives in order to properly carry out their surveillance of the state.

“Everybody has a civic duty to cooperate and provide relevant information to security agencies as they have made substantial contributions to the reduction of armed banditry, farmers, herders crisis, tribal feud, kidnapping, and, therefore, needs our cooperation in the run-up to 2023 general elections.”

Governor Ishaku added, “Political activities will pick up significantly in 2022, all political parties will hold primaries to select candidates for various political positions and as a result, I employ individuals who intend to run for office to exercise restraint. Let us play the game by the rules so that the will of the people is respected and protected at the end of the day.

“I would also like to appeal to religious leaders, traditional rulers, parents and guardians to keep a tight grip on the youth so that they do not become agents of instability in the hands of misguided individuals seeking power at all cost.”

 

The governor also assured residents of the state that his administration would continuously provide democratic dividends and complete all existing projects before the conclusion of his tenure next year.

Promise of good governance

Likewise, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State wishes the people of the state a prosperous New Year with a promise of good governance.

Sanwo-Olu said: “As we draw the curtains on 2021, we should be reminded of life’s lessons. Events that shaped our lives, and experiences that will be entrenched in our memories forever.

“We must however be thankful for God’s infinite goodness and mercies throughout the past year.

“Despite the raging pandemic which has crippled many economies, we’re still standing strong and trudging along. Our resilience heightened and our faith unshaken, we made it through 2021.”

“As your (Lagosians) Governor, I salute you all and reassure you of my heart of service and spirit of candour.

“I will continue to be giving of myself, in spite of misconceptions. I will continue to deliver good governance and provide purposeful leadership to everyone in Lagos.

“We will as a Government, continue to deliver infrastructural developments that will improve the quality of life of residents, such that generations yet unborn will be partakers of the good fortune of Lagos.

“So, help us God. On behalf of my family and the Government of Lagos State, I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year!” The governor added.

Prayer for peace

Unlike his counterparts, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State joined the Christian faithful for a special crossover service at the St. Peters Cathedral Church in Ake, Abeokuta.

In his message, he promised deliberate and purposeful initiatives for economic recovery through his administration’s economic blueprint.

The governor said efforts would be intensified in the areas of the independent power projects, mass transportation, education, security, critical infrastructure, and healthcare delivery to bring a new lease of life to residents.

While asking residents to continue to live together in peace and harmony, he called for more prayers for his administration, the political leaders, and the country in general for peace and development.

Reducing poverty

In Kwara, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq congratulated the people of the state and Nigerians on the new calendar year.

Governor AbudulRazaq assured residents of his administration’s continuous focus on projects and programmes that would boost inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and create a better environment for sustainable job opportunities in the state.

The governor explained that the administration’s Budget of Sustained Reformation for Inclusive Growth has been designed to double down on the achievements and reforms in the education sector, healthcare, workers’ welfare, water supply, ease of doing business, a safety net for the poor, access roads within the metropolis and across the state, as well as improved investments and partnership with the security agencies, civic community, and the traditional institutions to guarantee the safety of lives and properties.

“At the dawn of 2022, I call on our people to continue to support the administration’s policies and programmes to place Kwara on the path of sustainable growth,” he said.

“Our major selling point has been peace and tranquillity, and I urge that we should continue to relate with one another as one people bound by a common destiny under God. This year, as always, let us watch over one another and work for a greater Kwara and Nigeria, irrespective of our differences.”