By Dapo Akinrefon & Vincent Ujumadu
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, have greeted Nigerians as they enter the year 2026.
Match patriotism with duty in 2026, Jonathan to Nigerians, leaders
Jonathan, yesterday, tasked Nigerians and leaders to match patriotism with a renewed sense of duty in the New Year.
Jonathan, in his New Year message to Nigerians, said: “It is through shared responsibility, mutual respect, and steadfast dedication to the national interest that Nigeria can continue on the path toward stability and inclusive development.
“The period behind us has not been without its trials. As a nation and as individuals, we have confronted economic pressures and persistent insecurity, challenges that have tested our resilience and, for many families, brought hardship and loss.
“These experiences remind us of the responsibility we bear toward one another and the importance of people-oriented leadership.
“Yet, even in these difficult circumstances, the enduring character of the Nigerian people has remained evident. Across our communities, we have continued to see courage, solidarity, and a quiet determination to persevere. Our shared values, our diversity, and our collective belief in a better tomorrow have sustained us through uncertainty.
“This spirit of resilience is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. It is the foundation upon which unity, peace, and lasting progress must continue to be built.
“As we move forward into 2026, let us renew our commitment to the ideals that bind us together as one people.
“Patriotism must be matched with a renewed sense of duty by citizens and leaders alike. Leadership at all levels must be anchored in service, guided by humility, integrity, and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.
“It is through shared responsibility, mutual respect, and steadfast dedication to the national interest that Nigeria can continue on the path toward stability and inclusive development.
“I wish you and your families a peaceful, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead, and I pray that our nation advances steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity.”
Nigerians victims of bad policies —Atiku
Atiku, yesterday, in his New Year message, described President Bola Tinubu as “incompetent, adding that 2025 was “one of the most punishing years in our recent history.”
Citing “economic suffocation, political recklessness, and governance without empathy” under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku said: “The past year exposed, in stark terms, the incompetence and policy bankruptcy of President Tinubu. Governing for months without a functional budget, the administration relied on propaganda while borrowing recklessly, pushing the nation to the brink of economic collapse,” the statement said.
“In the same year, Nigeria’s democratic foundations were deliberately weakened, as the APC worked systematically to deform our multiparty democracy into a de facto one-party state through coercion, intimidation, and state capture.
“While drowning the nation in debt, the government falsely claimed to have met revenue targets. Meanwhile, insecurity worsened dramatically. Kidnappings, abductions, and violent crimes surged, affecting citizens, young and old alike.
“Lives were lost, livelihoods destroyed, and communities terrorised, while government assurances rang hollow. The administration spoke endlessly of economic recovery, yet unemployment, underemployment, labour unrest, and the collapse of small businesses defined the year. Industries shut down. Workers were sent home. Hunger spread. Suffering became normalised.
“The arrogance of this administration is unprecedented. Its contempt for public opinion, its hostility to criticism, and its willingness to punish Nigerians through bad policies reveal a government fundamentally hostile to the people,” he said.
“Never in our recent history have we seen an administration so openly dismissive of public sentiment, so casual in breaking laws, and so reckless with democratic norms.”
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, further criticised the government’s anti-corruption efforts, describing them as selective and politically motivated.
Remain focused, law-abiding, peaceful – Ohanaeze
President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen. Azuta Mbata, in a New Year message in Enugu, said: “My beloved Ndigbo all over the world, as we step into 2026, I extend my warm greetings and heartfelt gratitude to every son and daughter of Igboland all over the world.
“I sincerely thank you for your unwavering support, trust and cooperation in the past one year of my leadership as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“As we move forward my brothers and sisters, I call on Ndigbo to remain focused, law-abiding, peaceful and constructive in our engagements.
“Knowing that our collective progress lies in inclusivity, unity and responsible citizenship.”
He commended Ndigbo for their resilience in the face of challenges as well as their industry and renowned spirit of entrepreneurship which had continued to distinguish them.
“There is no gainsaying that despite the challenges confronting our nation in general, we still remain strong, enterprising and hopeful people.
“I urge you to remain encouraged, for by the grace of God, the future of Igbo nation remains bright. Together, we shall overcome present challenges through unity, perseverance and faith in God.
“May this New Year bring peace, good health and renewed hope to every Igbo family. Happy New Year,” he said.
Bright future awaits Nigeria in 2026 — Afenifere
Leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, yesterday, expressed optimism that a bright future awaits Nigeria in 2026.
The Yoruba leader, in his New Year message by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Mr. Jare Ajayi, said: “Without doubt, every year comes with its challenges. 2025 was not an exception. We thank the Almighty God for seeing us through the year. We thank the Almighty God for counting us among those who are starting 2026. We have the hope of being among those who will survive the year, achieve a lot within the year and live beyond the year 2026 by God’s grace.”
Ajayi quoted Fasoranti as noted that 2025 ended on a happier note than 2024 for Nigeria.
He said: “The economy looked up, going by certain indices. Security was better as the last month of the year rolled to an end compared to the same time of the year before. At the socio-economic level, hope was re-engendered in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“Yes, although Nigeria has faced and is still facing challenges, there is the prospect that it will overcome these challenges and come out strong very soon by the grace of God.”
The Afenifere leader expressed hope that the positive impacts of the policies of the Tinubu government are already being felt, adding that more concrete effects of these policies will be felt in the New Year.
We must demand responsible, responsive, transparent leadership —Amaechi
Amaechi on his part called on Nigerians to demand leadership that is responsible, responsive, transparent, people-oriented, and accountable to the people.
Amaechi in his new year message said: “The past year has indeed tested our resilience as a nation, with many families struggling under the unbearable weight of economic hardship, the unfortunate rising cost of living, and widespread insecurity.
“As we welcome the New Year, let us all commit to making a turning point in our national aspiration for peace, unity, improved security of lives and property, economic stability and prosperity, and the overall well-being of our people, by holding the government accountable.
“We must collectively demand leadership that is responsible, responsive, transparent, people-oriented, and accountable to the people.
“Nigeria’s greatness does not lie in the hands of a few elites or any ruling class, but in the determination of the millions of ordinary citizens. Together, we can build a country where opportunity and prosperity are not reserved for the privileged few, but shared by all.
“May this new year bring healing to our land, courage to our people, and a brighter future for generations to come,” he said.
2026 will present us with fresh opportunities – Soludo
Governor Soludo, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the new year would present the state with fresh opportunities to build on his administration’s achievements.
In his new year message, the governor said government would learn from existing challenges, and work collectively towards the goals and vision of the state defined by prosperity, adequate security, and sustainable development.
Extending his best wishes to all citizens and residents of Anambra State, he urged everyone to “celebrate this new beginning by reflecting with gratitude on the resilience, industry, and patriotic spirit of NdË Anambra, which continue to distinguish our people across Nigeria and the global community.”
He reassured the people of his untiring commitment to impacting lives positively and transforming the state further in the new year.
Soludo stated that the focus of his administration remains steadfast on the critical Solution pillars of infrastructure development, quality education, accessible healthcare, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and security of lives and property.
Oborevwori reaffirms commitment to more devt
Governor Oborevwori, who extended warm and heart-felt felicitations to Deltans as they usher in the Year 2026, expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for His protection, grace and sustaining presence over the people and the state throughout the past year.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor described the New Year as a season of renewed hope, fresh beginnings and collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to draw strength from the lessons of the past and look forward to the future with optimism, courage and unity of purpose.
The governor acknowledged the sacrifices, resilience and patience displayed by Deltans, noting that the modest but impactful gains recorded across key sectors of the state were made possible by the people’s enduring spirit, peaceful disposition and shared commitment to progress.
Governor Oborevwori assured that the pains, hopes and aspirations of the people remained at the heart of his administration’s policies, reaffirming that in the New Year, government would deepen its focus on good governance, infrastructural renewal, job creation, youth empowerment, enhanced security and inclusive economic growth in line with the MORE agenda.
Mbah promises accelerated consolidation
Governor Mbah, on his part said there would be no room for complacency on the part of his administration, promising accelerated consolidation of the gains made in the past two and a half years.
Mbah also described 2026 as a year of quantum leap for the people of Enugu State, maintaining that “our optimism is not abstract, but grounded in the concrete work we have done.”
The governor in his New Year message to the people of Enugu State, urged optimism and unity on the part of the people of the state and the nation as a whole.
Recalling his administration’s successes in the revival of moribund assets, transformation of the transport system as well as the water sector, security, road and tourism infrastructure, educational and agricultural sectors, and the surge of investment and visitors to Enugu, Mbah acknowledged that “it is far easier to rise than it is to remain standing.
“That is why this year demands more of us than the years before. 2026 is not a victory lap, it is a humble continuation of a journey that is nowhere near finished.
“What we have begun is not fleeting, it must now be secured for generations. We have to build well, not quickly for applause, but carefully for posterity.
“And above all, we must resist complacency. Success can seduce us into comfort. Comfort slows our steps. And when steps slow, progress slips away,” he emphasised.On specific projects and programmes to expect in the New Year, Mbah said: “In 2026, life in Enugu will change in ever more visible and practical ways.’
“Every urban road across our cities will be paved and upgraded with proper drainage and walkways, with many also receiving new streetlights to improve safety.
“Projects like the 9th Mile 24/7 water scheme, the planned Ajali Scheme revamp and Oji River will continue to push clean water directly into more homes across Enugu.
“All 260 Smart Schools will open fully, offering digital learning, science labs, renewable power and a free daily meal to more than 300,000 children.
“In every one of our 260 wards, a fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centre will open, staffed and powered to deliver real care when it is needed most.
“Enugu’s airport operations will expand, with plans to grow Enugu Air’s fleet to 20 aircraft this year, accelerating trade, tourism and investment.
“Strengthened security infrastructure, ongoing industrial revival efforts, growing support for small and medium enterprises, and expanded connectivity will ensure that more families feel economic opportunity through rising incomes, safer streets and a clearer path to a better life.”
Olukoyede calls for zero tolerance for corruption in 2026
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