I-N-F-O-R-M-A-T-I-O-N! PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS.

Even in these challenging times we must encourage the good news narrative to thrive so as to drown out the unacceptable negatives in the polity. Just a few developments: The first is that MTN Nigeria limited has appointed a Nigerian, Mr. Michael Ikpoki, as its first Nigerian CEO. This appointment follows others in critical sectors and confirms to me that efforts by the Federal Government to build the capacity of the Nigerian knowledge worker and make Nigeria a regional and continental hub for excellence in business and service delivery through policy and reforms like the the Local Content Act are beginning to yield fruit. I commend MTN Nigeria limited for this appointment.


The second occurrence is the celebration by the city of Awka, in Anambra state of three weeks of uninterrupted public power supply and counting. I personally wish Nigeria had achieved this milestone decades ago, but nevertheless we are making steady progress. More cities will soon be able to have such celebrations because the Roadmap to Power Sector Reforms is having the desired effects with almost all of Nigeria's electricity Distribution companies (Discos) and Generating companies (Gencos) now in private hands as I promised on the 26th of August 2010 in Lagos when I launched the Power Roadmap. My friends on facebook, in a few years from now many will not remember the agony and anger caused by absence of electricity in our homes just as many do not now remember the long queues in front of NITEL awaiting to take or make a call.

And finally, I am most delighted to learn like the average Nigerian, that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has approved the registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC). In 2010, when I nominated outstanding men and women into INEC, I wanted citizens completely removed from me, with a consistent and verifiable history of independent activism to lead the electoral body so that it could be truly independent and free and be seen by the public to be truly free from government influence. I commend INEC for their efforts so far and urge that the commission continues to be guided by patriotic considerations in its decisions.

My dear friends on facebook, my commitment to building strong institutions so as to help sustain and strengthen our democracy remains unshakable. It is true that our press is acknowledged to be the freest in Africa and one of the freest in the world. It is true that Nigeria has been recognized as being the foremost recipient for Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, in Africa as well as poised to have Africa's largest Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in the next few years which are indications that our economy is growing. It is true that reforms in Agriculture, Petroleum, Aviation, Works, Finance, Transport, and other sectors have positive impact on our economy. Dear friends, I will not rest until all these reforms and good news have direct impact on the lives of our people at the grass roots level. - President Goodluck Jonathan.