- Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Aiyedatiwa, Ododo unfold plans
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms would in no distant time have positive impacts on their lives and the fortune of the country.
Speaking through their separate New Year messages, they assured that 2025 holds the promise of growth and opportunities.
Some governors also used their messages to unfold their plans for residents of their states. Others called for unity, peace and steadfastness.
The governors are Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Alex Otti (Abia), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
Akpabio wished President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, members of the National Assembly and Officers and Men of the Armed Forces, a happy and prosperous New Year.
Akpabio said: “As the Chairman of the National Assembly, I thank my colleagues in the National Assembly for their patriotic support for the President Tinubu-led administration, assuring that Nigerians will begin to enjoy the yield of the various reforms of the current administration in 2025.
“I congratulate our President, his vice, the Chief Justice, my colleagues in the National Assembly, the Armed Forces and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora for witnessing another year of progress and prosperity regardless of the myriad of problems we collectively encountered.
“From the various reforms put in place by the current administration, especially the proposed tax reforms, I can assure Nigerians that we will begin to enjoy sustainable dividends of democracy in this New Year.
“Let us begin to look into the New Year 2025 with hope and optimism and with togetherness this country can achieve greatness. As we bid farewell to the year 2024 and welcome a new dawn in 2025, I extend my warm felicitations to you all. May the strength in our diversities resonate with peace, progress and growth in the New Year.
First Lady calls for unity, bridge-building
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to rise above their differences and rebuild the bridges that connect them, emphasizing the importance of love, respect, and understanding in fostering national unity.
In her 2025 New Year message titled: “2025: A Year of Prosperity and Abundance,” she highlighted the need for collective efforts to create a thriving and inclusive society.
Addressing the nation with optimism, the First Lady emphasised the significance of investing in one another, nurturing the youth, and upholding the dignity of elders.
She called for a renewed commitment to building a country where every Nigerian can achieve their potential, regardless of their background, beliefs, or language.
The First Lady reaffirmed the President Bola Tinubu administration’s dedication to driving reforms aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
She described these reforms as foundational to achieving a prosperous future for the nation, urging all Nigerians to stand together in unity and ensure no one is left behind.
Senator Tinubu expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome its challenges and build a brighter future, emphasizing the collective power of citizens in shaping the Nigeria of their dreams.
The First Lady said: “I express my heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty, with great hope, and an assurance in the promises for our great nation.
“As we journey through 2025, let us rise above our differences and rebuild the bridges that connect us—bridges of love, respect, and understanding.
‘It is a year to invest in one another; to nurture our youth and protect the dignity of our elders; to create a country where every Nigerian can thrive, regardless of where they are born, what they believe, or what language they speak.
“I assure you all that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, is truly committed to and is already undertaking deepening reforms that will unlock our nation’s economic potentials.
“Let us stand together, lifting each other up, and ensuring no one is left behind. Together, we can build the Nigeria we all desire. Together, we will.”
Sanwo-Olu charts course for Lagos
Setting the tone for the year, Sanwo-Olu recounted the feats recorded last year and promised a more inclusive and transformative year.
In his New Year message on his X account, Sanwo-Olu praised Lagosians for their resilience, innovation, and unity, describing them as the driving force behind the state’s progress.
The message reads: “Happy New Year, Lagosians. As we step into 2025, I celebrate the resilience, innovation, and unity that defined our journey through 2024. Together, we navigated challenges, achieved historic milestones, and set new benchmarks for excellence in governance, infrastructure, and social development.”
He listed the launch of the Red Line Rail, the expansion of Blue Line operations and significant strides in health, education and youth empowerment as some of 2024 achievements.
“In 2024, Lagos rose to new heights launching transformative projects and becoming a beacon for progress and an example of what’s possible when leadership and people align,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu unveiled his vision for a “Greater Lagos” in 2025, emphasising sustainable infrastructure, economic growth, and deeper community impact.
“Our vision remains clear: to build a Greater Lagos that works for all. The future of Lagos is bold, inclusive, and limitless,” he said.
Ododo reaffirms support for President
The Kogi governor, who urged Kogi residents to “remain solid rock behind President Bola Tinubu” also reaffirmed his support to the President.
“President Tinubu is a blessing to our nation at a time like this that will need bold, courageous, creative and a forward thinking leader,” he maintained.
He assured Kogi residents of his administration’s commitment to the development of the state and to the welfare of people.
Ododo’s statement reads: “As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to each and every one of you.
“The dawn of 2025 is not just another page in the calendar; it is a renewed opportunity for us to deepen our collective resolve to build a Kogi State that is stronger, more united, and more prosperous.
“This past year, we have taken significant strides together. Your unwavering support, resilience, and contributions have been the foundation upon which we have built our successes.
“As your chief servant, I am deeply committed to fostering a state where development, innovation, and inclusivity thrive.
“We will continue to focus on delivering impactful projects, enhancing opportunities for our youth, empowering our women, and ensuring every community feels the positive impact of governance.
“Together, we will tackle challenges with courage and determination, knowing that our unity is our greatest strength.”
Makinde: ‘We’ll do more for our people, ease economic burdens’
Promising to do more for the people, Makinde said his administration plans to take decisive actions that would increase residents’ purchasing power and ease their economic strains.
In his New Year message aired on the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), the governor reiterated the position during the Crossover Service at the Living Spring Chapel International, Ibadan, that he would remain focus to give residents value for the mandate given to him.
He listed the upgrading of the Ibadan Airport at Alakia to an international status, the first segment of the Ibadan Circular Road and further education and enlightenment of residents as priority projects.
The governor added that his administration would enforce the rule of law across different sectors, noting that more stringent measures would be taken against traffic offences in the state.
The governor maintained that 2024 tested the resilience of Oyo State residents to the limit, as the state and its people faced so many difficult situations including economic hardship and tragedies in Ibadan.
Aiyedatiwa promises robust infrastructural development
Aiyedatiwa renewed his commitment towards re-engineering the infrastructural development of the Sunshine State and prioritising the people’s welfare.
The Ondo governor promised that the New Year will bring dividends of good governance that will restore the people’s faith in the government.
In a statement, the governor said: “I congratulate the people of Ondo State on witnessing the end of 2024 because 2025 offers a new vista of development across the 18 local government areas of the state.
“I also thank the various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, security agencies and the media, for their support, and our workforce for their hard work and sacrifice in the past year.
“The 2025 ‘Budget of Recovery’ will be faithfully executed to drive rapid development and also aim to complete ongoing projects across the state.
“I commend the peaceful conduct of stakeholders during the electioneering processes last year, and I am grateful for the overwhelming mandate given to me to lead beyond 2025.”
‘It’s year of transformation in Kano’
Yusuf assured that 2025 will be a year of transformation in Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering youths and women through skills acquisition initiatives and increased access to credit facilities for small and medium scale businesses.
Yusuf said: “2025 will be a transformative year that will bring better living standards and greater economic opportunities to every corner of Kano state.
“In 2025, the result of our declaration of state of emergency on education will continue to manifest. We allocated a lion share of 31 per cent of the year’s budget to education, to reaffirm our promise of reforming the sector.”
Uzodimma pledges accelerated development
Uzodimma assured the people of accelerated development across Imo State.
The governor expressed his commitment to vigorous pursuant of industrialisation of the state by strengthening its infrastructure.
According to him, the faithful implementation of the N807 billion Budget 2025 will set Imo on an irreversible path of sustainable development.
He described the budget as “a clear statement of my determination to vigorously pursue the industrialisation of the state by strengthening our infrastructure.”
Uzodimma also urged the people to support the administration and re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state.
He tasked them to love one another as brothers and sisters and “avoid negative tendencies that hinder the spirit of togetherness needed to foster the growth and development of the state.”
Mohammed promises socio-economic progress
Mohammed, who noted that although 2024 had its challenges, assured residents of a peaceful and prosperous. He also promised progress on socio-economic and political policies in the state.
He said: “I congratulate the good people of Bauchi State for overcoming the myriad of challenges in the year 2024. As a people, we have remained steadfast in the face of economic hardship that has made life unbearable. It is our trust in God and sustained prayers that made it possible for us to weather the storm.
“On our part as a government, we will continue to provide palliative items to cushion the effect of the hardship and work towards finding lasting solutions to it.
“It is gratifying to note that in spite of the paucity of funds, we have not relented in our drive towards the provision of infrastructural and social facilities, especially in the areas of roads reconstruction, mass Housing, urban renewal and education.
“We have also recorded significant strides in reviving agriculture, economic empowerment and youth development.”
Otu frees 45 prisoners in C’River
Otu exercised his prerogative of mercy and freed 45 prisoners in Cross River State.
The inmates who regained their freedom were convicted for various offenses and have spent considerable period in Correctional Center in the state.
Otu’s action was in the spirit of the new year and the People First mantra of his administration, his aide, Nsa Gill said in a statement.
He noted that the directive was contained in the approval given to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ededem Ani.
Mutfwang: More dividends coming
Plateau state Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang said his administration would focus more on people-oriented policies and programmes in the new year.
He urged the people to work together in faith and unity to achieve the Plateau of their dreams.
Mutfwang also granted freedom to 11 suspects awaiting trial at the Jos Correctional Centre by paying their fines.
Diri woos investors
Bayelsa State Douye Diri appealed to Ijaw in the Diaspora to join hands with his government to develop their ancestral homeland, which is the only homogenous state of the ethnic nationality.
He said his administration would redouble efforts to attract investments from both foreign and domestic investors.
In his New Year broadcast, Diri said: “We eagerly anticipate the opportunities to collaborate with our brethren to unlock the vast potential that our state has to offer.”
He added: “Because we have been prudent in spending our state’s resources, and prioritising expenditure to fulfill our mandate of shared prosperity, we have achieved significant progress on our legacy projects, including key infrastructure initiatives to unlock the treasures of the Atlantic Ocean and harness the potential of the Blue Economy.”
On the proposed launching “The Prosperity Estates,” he said: “The project is a groundbreaking housing scheme that will bring 1000 affordable homes to our state capital and local government areas. This initiative is a major milestone in our mission to make housing more accessible and affordable for all citizens.”
Idris to Nigerians: embrace peace
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris urged Nigerians to embrace peace and mutual respect, regardless of ethnic, religious or cultural differences.
Idris said in a,statement by his media aide, Malam Yahaya Sarki, that “Nigeria’s diversity is a strength meant to foster unity, not division.
He added: “ God has created us with various backgrounds to bring us closer together as a united people. Let us use our differences as a source of strength and unity.
“Let’s approach this year with renewed energy, optimism, and a commitment to make it even better than the last.“Together, we can achieve greatness. Cheers to 2025.”
Soludo promises accelerated development
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo said his administration would prioritise accelerated development and security.
In his New Year message signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, in Awka, the state capital,,Soludo said: “The 2025 budget will mark a significant milestone in our administration’s journey toward building a prosperous smart mega state.
“The comprehensive budget reflects our administration’s uncompromising dedication to transforming Anambra State through strategic investments in critical sectors.
“The focus remains on infrastructure development, economic transformation and human capital development, with substantial allocation to education, healthcare, road construction and others.”
The governor announced that “Operation Udo Ga Chi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign), would be launched on January 25 to strengthen the
He added: “At the same time, the state government is strengthening forest security through specialised training of forest guards, in collaboration with local vigilante and local government authorities.
“We have extended an olive branch to repentant criminal elements in the state by offering an amnesty window until the end of February.This demonstrates our commitment to peace and reconciliation.”
Eno warns against divisive politics in Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno urged the residents of the state to remain united and shun politics of division and personal destruction.
He said: “As we usher in the New Year, I enjoin us to remain united and shun politics of division and personal destruction.
“We are committed to running an inclusive government, and we have demonstrated this approach in the last 18 months since we came in.
“Politics should not divide us or severe our bonds of kinship. We are first and foremost Akwa Ibomites before we became members of political parties.
“Let us continue to hold our defined identity as a peaceful, prosperous and forward-looking people.
“I will continue to run the state by involving and consulting our leaders across party lines because if we succeed, Akwa Ibom succeeds; and success, we will.”
Sani urges unity, optimism among Kaduna residents
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has told the people of the state to look forward to a year that would bring hope and a collective commitment to progress.
The governor promised to invest more in education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the state’s 23 local government areas.
He said his administration would take advantage of the prevailing peace in the state to stabilise security, reopen key markets, like Kara in Birnin Gwari and Kidandan in Giwa, and revitalise cultural festivals previously halted due to insecurity.
“Let us look to the future with hope and optimism. Let us work together to build a better tomorrow,” Sani said.
A greater Delta beckons, says Oborevwori
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has assured the people of greater dividends of democracy and called for more prayers and support for his administration.
In a message yesterday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor thanked the residents for their continued support for his administration in the past 19 months.
He promised more commitment to the state’s development through massive investments in infrastructure and human capital development.
“I appreciate immensely the unalloyed support and cooperation that our administration has enjoyed from the people of the state, which has been a source of encouragement and strength to the government.
“2024 was a very difficult year but we thank God for navigating us successfully into a new year with hope and enthusiasm,” Oborevwori said.
Otti to prioritise agriculture, tech, security, others
Abia State Governor Alex Otti said his administration would prioritise the development of the agricultural sector, security, among other vital sectors.
He said his administration had earmarked N18.9 billion to support economically vulnerable individuals and families this year.
Otti said: “Our pursuits may be different but the goals are often not too far apart: we want to live in fulfilment by applying our talents and abilities to useful endeavours, chase our dreams, pursue worthy causes and one day, when our race is done, look back in gratitude for the opportunities we had and the overall impact made within our spheres of influence.
“Things may not go exactly as we wish, but even then, we have a responsibility to step out with hope, doing our best each day to pursue the outcomes we seek for ourselves and our loved ones.
“Hope must override despair and nothing should distract us from giving our all to achieve the goals that we have carefully laid out in the weeks and days leading to this remarkable day.
“I do not possess the power to predict the future, but I know one thing for sure: victory ultimately goes to the one who never gave up.”
