PRESIDENT Jonathan assured Nigerians, Saturday, that despite all challenges, his administration would transform the country into one of the most developed nations of the world.
Jonathan, who spoke through his Vice, Nnamadi Sambo in Abeokuta, disclosed that his government has initiated moves to transform, the education, transport, energy and health sectors, saying that Nigerians would soon see positive changes.
He spoke at a civic reception, organised by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) South West zone in honour of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an immediate past Chairman of the party's Board of Trustees (BOT).
The reception, according to the Ogun State Chairman of the Party, Senator Dipo Odujirin, was in recognition of Obasanjo's immense contributions towards the development of Nigeria in particular and Africa and the world in general.
Jonathan told the crowd, which included serving and past governors, legislators, ministers and party faithful: "I want to assure you that we will continue to implement fantastic programmes and they shall transform Nigeria into one of the most developed countries in the world."
He added: "In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that, we have already recorded success in the area of power supply. It is a known fact all over the country, today, that there is improvement in power. This is as a result of improvement that we are making."
The President said: "I am pleased to inform you that not far from here, at Olorunsogo, we have successfully completed the Olorunsogo power plant, and that is already injecting 500MW to our national grid. We have completed everything about it– the gas pipeline, the gas treatment plant. This, we have achieved, as a result of the support we receive from you."
"I am also pleased to inform you, which is a common knowledge today, that Mr. President has taken a necessary step to ensure that Lagos/Ibadan expressway is completed and expanded. I was one of the first persons that used the road as a corps member when it had not been opened for public use. That road was built by Baba (Obasanjo) to international standard. This administration has resolved to bring back the road as it was and even in a better form," Jonathan affirmed.
Apparently impressed about what the President said, Obasanjo in response to the speech stated: "For me, nothing can gladden my heart better than when a government in this country, whether at the local level, state or at the national level takes care of the citizens' need or even does what is right for the people. What you (Jonathan) have said to us today is that the Federal Government is doing what it was supposed to do some years back. It is better late than never".
On the reception, the former President said: "What is happening here today is unique because normally we don't seem to celebrate our leaders until after their death. For me to be here with you and get such accolades and praises, I thank God and I thank you all."
He told the crowd at the event, held at the palace ground of the Egba monarch: "Let us identify icons in all walks of life among us, so that we can make the necessary sacrifice to encourage others so as to move our country forward."
He ascribed whatever he has achieved in life to God, saying: "Whatever I have achieved, whatever I have done and whatever attainment I have got, God made it happen and the glory should be given to him."
All those who spoke poured encomiums on Obasanjo, describing him as a great gift not only to Nigeria but also to Africa.
The National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in his speech described Obasanjo as a committed African statesman, saying: "Though some call him OBJ, the General or Mr. President, I want to call him the living legend of Africa. As we celebrate the living legend of Africa, therefore, I want to say without any hesitation that I am proud to be associated with this colossus who serves as a symbol of hope in the time most Nigerians were not certain of the future of the country."
Some of the personalities at the occasion were Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Akwa-Ibom counterpart, Goodswill Akpabio. The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, an All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Party was also present.
Okorocha in his speech urged Nigerian politicians to know when to stop playing politics and face governance.
"Let us produce more leaders instead of more politicians. Party would not put food on our tables; only visionary leaders can," he said.
