I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the year 2014 which
promises to be a momentous one for our country for several reasons,
including the fact that it is also the year of our great nation's
centenary celebrations. I join you all in giving thanks to God
Almighty for guiding us and our beloved nation safely through all the
challenges of the outgoing year to the beginning of 2014.
Exactly 100 years ago today, on January 1, 1914, the British Colonial
authorities amalgamated what was then the separate Protectorates of
Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria, giving birth to the single
geopolitical entity known as Nigeria. For us therefore, today is not
just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a century of national
existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for sober
reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria.
Whatever challenges we may have faced, whatever storms we may have
confronted and survived, Nigeria remains a truly blessed country, a
country of gifted men and women who continue to distinguish themselves
in all spheres of life, a country whose diversity remains a source of
strength. We pay tribute today, as always to our founding fathers and
mothers, and all the heroes and heroines whose toil and sweat over the
century made this country what it is today.
As I noted, a few days ago, the amalgamation of 1914 was certainly not
a mistake but a blessing. As we celebrate 100 years of nationhood, we
must resolve to continue to work together as one, united people, to
make our country even greater.
I assure you that our administration remains fully committed to the
progressive development of our country and the consolidation of peace,
unity and democratic governance in our fatherland. Despite several
continuing domestic and global challenges, for us in Nigeria, the year
2013 witnessed many positive developments which we will strive to
build upon in 2014. GEJ
