President
Muhammadu Buhari has said that 2017 had been a very tough year for Nigeria, but
expressed optimism that 2018 will be a more prosperous one.
The
president stated this when he received a delegation of Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) residents who paid him Christmas homage in the Presidential
Villa, Abuja.
He, however,
noted with delight that God had answered the prayers of Nigerians as the rainy
season was good and farmers recorded bumper harvest across the country.
“It has been
a tough year for Nigeria and I hope next year will be a much more prosperous
one.
“But God
listened to the majority of us, the rainy season was very good and some states
have got very good information from home; I never knew that the people from
Kano who are more resourceful used to go to my area and hire farms, this year
nobody hired farm, and nobody regretted it.
“And again
the second one from the Gov. of Sokoto State said all the people that really
registered early to perform last pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia were farmers.
”But he
didn’t tell me if they took additional wives. But I am very pleased that people
have gone back to the land with very good harvests.’’
Buhari used
the opportunity to commend religious leaders for partnering with government in
ensuring peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the
country.
He stated
that reports reaching him from security organisations across the country
indicated that the religious leaders had been assisting the security agents in
the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the society.
“I thank you
very much for coming, especially the religious leaders.
“I am very
pleased you are doing your best from the intelligence I am getting to make sure
that people live as good neighbours and good Nigerians,’’ said the president.
Buhari, who
also spoke on his recent miraculous medical recovery, said his absolute
adherence to doctors’ instruction and orders was responsible for his improved
health conditions.
“It has been
a tumultuous year. I thought I was 74 but I was told I was 75 I have never been
so sick even the 30 months civil war (when) I was stumbling under farm of yams
or cassava but this sickness I don’t know but I came out better.
“All those
who saw me before and when I came back said I look much better, but I have
explained it to the public that as a General I used to give orders now I take
orders.
”The doctors
told me to feed my stomach and sleep for longer hours that is why I am looking
much better.’’
The
delegation and Minister of the FCT, Alhaji Musa Bello, had earlier thanked God
for not only restoring the President’s health, but also making him stronger and
better looking.
He said:
“This is the third homage and we have never seen you better as you look
today.’’
The Chairman
of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, Mr Jonah Samson,
lauded the Buhari administration for its performances in the fight against
corruption and insurgency in the country.
Samson, who
also commended the administration’s efforts towards ensuring security of life
and property of citizens, urged the government to provide additional employment
opportunities to address youth restiveness in the country.
The News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the event was the
presentation of Christmas cards to the president by the FCT minister and the
Chaplain of the Aso Rock Chapel.
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