PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Monday unfolded a vision of a new Nigeria where everyone would be involved in the task of nation building.

Indeed, Jonathan told the citizens in a New Year message that every Nigerian should brace for the task of rebuilding the country. He stressed that the duty of developing the country was not that of only the government but that of all the citizens.

The President pledged the commitment of the government towards re-building the country’s infrastructure, creating employment and guaranteeing the security of lives and property.

In his New Year message to the nation, the President said: “I join you all in giving thanks to God Almighty for bringing us and our beloved nation safely through the past year to the beginning of 2013 which, by His Grace, will be a much better year for us and our country.

“In keeping with tradition, it is usual for individuals, institutions and organisations to make resolutions and set agenda as a new year begins, to guide their actions in the coming months.”

Recalling his earlier commitment to quality life for Nigerians as enunciated in the Federal Government’s agenda for 2013, the President said: “Our objective for the year is to ensure by all possible means that more of the programmes and projects envisioned by this administration, and which are already being embarked upon are further brought on stream within the next 12 months to meet the yearnings of our people, and raise the quality of life.

“We have in the last year achieved a lot in terms of the positive transformation of vital sectors of our national life such as public infrastructure, power supply, oil and gas, transportation, education, health and agricultural development. We will continue to work diligently in 2013 to ensure that our efforts in these areas are carried forward to full fruition in fulfilment of our promise of better public services and improved living conditions for all Nigerians.

“We will give priority attention in the coming year to flood and erosion control, the rehabilitation and expansion of existing federal roads, improved power supply, as well as the continued rehabilitation, upgrading and reactivation of the national rail network.

“Employment generation and wealth creation will also remain a primary objective of our socio-economic agenda for 2013. Creating more employment opportunities for our youth and graduates of our universities is an imperative that will continue to underpin our drive for massive economic growth, the rapid expansion of our manufacturing and industrial base, and the productive diversification of our national economy. In this regard, we will continue to provide the necessary enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

“As peace and security remain pre-requisite conditions for the full realization of our objectives, we will also do more in 2013 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria.”

The President appealed to Nigerians not to be discouraged by those who have taken it upon themselves to pick on every initiative and effort of this administration, saying: “We remain resolutely committed to the rule of law, due process and fair play in all circumstances. Our democracy continues to grow, and the scope for human freedom continues to expand. It is an achievement that we will continue to build upon.

“For your part, dear compatriots, I urge that you all include in your New Year resolutions a commitment to do more this year to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation in every possible way.

“The task of making our dear nation a much better place for present and future generations cannot be left to government alone. Leaders and followers alike have critical roles to play in our march towards the fulfilment of our great national potential.

“Let us all therefore resolve as we celebrate the New Year to place the higher interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in our particular fields of human endeavour to contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations.”

Besides, Senate President David Mark has enjoined Nigerians to continue to partner those elected into offices in order to take the country out of its grave challenges.

According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark in his New Year message to Nigerians noted that 2012 was very challenging but Nigerians resolved to remain in one indivisible nation.

“We went through a very challenging year. But collectively we kept hope of a brighter tomorrow. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Those in elected offices cannot bring forth this light alone. Government alone, without the support of the citizenry, cannot build a society where everyone is free and safe without the fear of any form of violence.  We must come together in unity to ensure a secure and progressive nation.

“I can see our nation coming out of our current trials more peacefully and strongly united. We must however not relent in our prayers as we continue to build a vibrant nation that will be a pride of all,” he said.

Mark reiterated the resolve of the National Assembly to continue to provide the nation with legislations that would better the lot of Nigerians just as he prayed for a joyous and prosperous New Year.

Also, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, in a message titled “2013 will be better,” assured Nigerians that 2013 would yield better dividend of democracy, peace, and prosperity.

Ekweremadu, according to his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, conveyed this in a New Year message to Nigerians.

He said: “I believe enough groundwork has been laid towards the actualisation of the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government and towards surmounting the many challenges facing the nation.

“With the early passage of the 2013 national budget, more maturity on the path of institutions of governance, and greater sense of responsibility, love, unity, and patriotism among all Nigerians, I have no doubt that the future is indeed bright for the nation, despite the present challenges.”

Ekweremadu, however, noted that the National Assembly would go beyond the passage of the 2013 budget to lay greater emphasis on oversight of the institutions of governance to ensure its full implementation for the benefit of the masses.

He called on Nigerians to pray without ceasing for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

The Deputy President of the Senate wished Nigerians a happy and prosperous New Year.