Nigeria needs sacrifice, patriotism to overcome challenges – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said Nigeria needs sacrifices to overcome its present challenges and repair the damage done by bad governance.

PRESIDENT BUHARI

The President made the call in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Nigerians.

The sacrifices, he said, are needed to accelerate the pace of national development in the country.

Buhari said: “Although we have come to the end of this year’s Ramadan, I believe that a greater acceptance by Nigerians of its key lessons of self-denial and sacrifice will serve our dear country well as we strive to overcome our present challenges, undo the damage done by years of bad governance and accelerate the pace of national development.


“Reviewing our dire circumstances and the many missed opportunities of the past, some commentators and observers have said that this is Nigeria’s last chance to get its act together and finally begin to fulfill its God-given potential for greatness.

“While not going that far, I certainly believe that now, more than ever before, our country needs greater self-denial, sacrifice and patriotism from all of its citizens, if we are to quickly recover from our numerous problems and start moving in a positive direction.”

The President said the current period offers Nigeria a great opportunity to break away from the vicious triangle of insecurity, corruption and under-development.

He added: “We must collectively resolve to seize this opportunity and unite to confront our problems. I remain wholly committed to giving the required leadership  towards undoing the wrongs of the past, ensuring that Nigeria truly begins to unlock its great potential and that the benefits of our immense national resources are shared and enjoyed by all, not just by successive cabals of corrupt leaders and their cronies.”

Stressing that he was not unaware of Nigerians’ high expectations when he assumed office on May 29, Buhari said he has been working with utmost dedication to meticulously plan and tackle the many national challenges which have been identified and to be resolved.

But to succeed, he said that he needs the continued support, understanding and patience of Nigerians.