President Goodluck Jonathan has asked Nigerians to remain steadfast and optimistic in the face of the mounting socio-economic and political challenges confronting the country.

Mr. Jonathan said the intractable economic and security challenges plaguing the land notwithstanding, he was confident the country would overcome its present developmental setbacks.

The president said in Abuja in his Easter message to Christians that rather than despair, Nigerians should continue to have faith in their collective determination to achieving national aspirations.

“I fervently believe that as the resurrection of Jesus Christ signifies the triumph of light over darkness, Nigeria will overcome its developmental challenges in the shortest possible time if we all resolve to set aside our differences, work together as one people, and foster peace, harmony and security in our country as requisite conditions for steady socio-economic growth and development,” the president said. 

“As people of faith, we must never succumb to hopelessness and despair.  We must rekindle and retain deep faith in our shared vision of greatness, and continuously renew our determination to achieve our immense potentials through total commitment and dedication to the fulfilment of our national aspirations.”

The President, who also pledged to continue to provide the leadership that would lead to positive transformation of the country, said being hopeful is important if the objective of achieving national progress and development are to be realised.

“My administration will continue to give dynamic, purposeful and effective leadership towards the attainment of our goal of faster national progress and development,” he said. “We shall continue to put the greatest effort into achieving a positive transformation in the lives of our people with the effective implementation of our agenda for national transformation”.