President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged Nigerians to put in their best in whatever they do because there are no short cuts to economic prosperity.
The President spoke through Vice President Namadi Sambo at the 13th National Productivity Day celebrations and conferment of the National Productivity Order of Merit Award in Abuja.
He said: "No matter our calling, it is only through hard work, diligence and discipline that success can be achieved."
Jonathan noted that there is need for motivation and favourable working conditions to enable workers improve productivity.
He said his administration was working assiduously to refocus the nation's attitude to work to "emphasise the dignity of labour, integrity, honesty, discipline and hard work in the workplace".
"We have also resolved to effect new a service reward system to promote productivity, efficiency and excellence."
Jonathan said his administration was not only strengthening the National Productivity Centre but will also address its infrastructure deficit through the development of a National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP).
He said the Federal Government was diversifying the economy to drive wealth and job creation.
He said: "Our agenda of transformation is productivity-oriented. Our vision and quest is to bequeath to future generations a better and greater Nigeria under our action. It is by securing higher and better quality output for any given unit of input that we can increase our national wealth and raise the living standards of our people."
The President urged the awardees not to rest on their oars, saying individuals and organisations should emulate them by increasing their productivity.
The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, said the National Council on Productivity would soon be inaugurated.
He urged individuals and organisations to key into the National Productivity Policy by increasing their productivity.
Mr. George Uriesi, who spoke on behalf of the recipients of the National Productivity Order of Merit Award, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
He promised that they would not fail the country.
The 2011/2012 National Productivity Order of Merit Award was conferred on 20 individuals and 10 organisations in recognition of their contributions to national development.
Since its inception in 1991, 256 individuals and 58 organisations have received the honour.
This year's celebrations had the theme: Productivity and Competitiveness: Determinants for Achieving National Transformation.
