Press Releases

New Year 2011: "Let Us Draw Strength From Our Innate Greatness", Fashola Urges Nigerians

Dec 31, 2010 - As the world ushers in Year 2011, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has urged Nigerians to draw strength from the country's innate greatness to deliver a free and fair election as a means of consolidating her rank in the comity of nations.

In his New Year message to Nigerians, Governor Fashola said though Nigerians have tended not to realize it, Nigeria has an innate greatness acquired through her vast contributions to global peace and the growth of world economy.

"As a country, Nigeria has made her mark globally, especially, in her contribution to global peace. She has sacrificed men and materials to keep other nations stable. She has led mostly from the front to bring political and economic stability to some nations, particularly in the Continent of Africa", the Governor said.

The Governor said one important way the country could return to global reckoning was through delivery of free and fair elections this year pointing out that the eyes of the whole world is upon the country to prove that she is ready for greatness.

Noting that individual Nigerians have also continued to make their mark in all spheres of human development including Science, Medicine, the Arts and Music, thereby building wealth and prestige for other nations, Governor Fashola declared, "Ironically, it is not as if the challenges which they seem to readily cite as being responsible for their sojourn are not present in those countries. Perhaps, what is missing here is the orderliness which obedience to the tenets of the rule of law engenders in those countries. This begins with the ability of citizens of those climes to choose leaders of their choice".

Describing the Year 2011 as a year of destiny for Nigeria, Governor Fashola further declared, "It is a year when we must redraw the picture of failure and perceived inability to govern ourselves which we have, hitherto presented to the outside world. It is a year when we must endeavour to reclaim our glory. Our future greatness lies in our ability to move beyond rhetoric and practically rebrand our country and change the ugly picture that has unfortunately been presented to the world through the acts of very few of our countrymen who are in the minority".

Calling for vigilance and resistance against deceitful politicians, the Governor warned, "The way we use our votes will determine the nature and character of leadership we truly want. It will also demonstrate our ability and willingness to extricate ourselves from exploitation and servitude. But most of all, our rightful use of our votes will demonstrate to the whole world that Nigeria has finally arrived to take her rightful place in the global community. We must not miss this chance. It may be our last".

The Governor urged Lagosians to continue to pray for peace, stability and sustainable development for both the State and the country, promising that his administration would continue "to lead from the front in all that is right and worthy in this country and continent".

He noted, "In the course of transforming our dear State into a model mega-city in Africa, we have endeavoured to make you our focus, putting in place at all times policies from which we could draw enormous advantages for your benefit", adding that the massive investments in sectors such as infrastructural renewal, the Greening and Beautification Programme, Security and Street lighting, to name a few, has not only created thousands of job for citizens but has created new economies which were hitherto not there while bringing back the night life and night economy.

Also warning Lagosians against deceitful politicians, Governor Fashola declared, "As we continue to make life even better in this New Year, I enjoin you to continue to play your roles as good and law- abiding citizens. You must be vigilant and resist those who are out to steal your votes and your right to determine who governs you for money. They have nothing to offer but deceit and personal aggrandizement".

"It is deceit, for instance for anyone to give you the impression that he would be capable of developing this State without revenue from tax. The question that such people should be made to answer is where the fund for development would come from", Governor Fashola said.

Wishing Lagosian a happy and prosperous New Year, Governor Fashola urged, "While we do not claim perfection in all our accomplishments so far, I urge you to see the cup as half full rather than half empty. Our development plan encompasses the whole State. If we have not reached your part of the State, it only means we are on our way. We do not indulge in quick fixes. We give quality and we believe that you deserve nothing less".