The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s New Year message, describing it as the first truly positive speech he had heard since the president assumed office in 2023.
Gists9ja reports that during his Homily at a Special Memorial Church Service held in honor of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the December 21, 2024 palliative distribution, Archbishop Kaigama remarked that President Tinubu’s promises in his New Year address were refreshing and reassuring for the citizens.
The Archbishop referred to the President’s speech as “heartwarming” and expressed his approval of the message, emphasizing that it was the first speech under President Tinubu’s leadership that resonated positively with him. He appreciated the President’s commitment to the nation’s wellbeing, noting that Tinubu wished all Nigerians a prosperous and joyful New Year while praying for success and good health in 2025.
Kaigama also commended the President’s pledge to reduce the country’s inflation rate from its current level of 34.6 percent to 15 percent, describing the promise as a significant and positive step. “We started the new year with a very heartwarming broadcast by President Tinubu. The only broadcast that I enjoyed since he became president because it was quite positive,” he said. He further emphasized the President’s statement regarding his government’s plans to intensify efforts to boost food production in the coming year.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by Nigerians in 2024, Archbishop Kaigama expressed hope that the President’s words would be backed by concrete actions. He urged the government to transform these promises into tangible outcomes that would positively impact the lives of citizens. “Let’s pray and hope that this is translated into concrete reality.
It’s not just about a speech, but about how it is translated concretely into practice,” he said, urging the congregation to join him in praying for the successful realization of these goals.
The Archbishop’s comments reflect a sense of cautious optimism, as he urged the nation to remain hopeful but vigilant in holding the government accountable for its promises.
