TO confront the mounting security challenges in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday consecrated a newly-formed 176 Special Forces Battalion to strengthen the Brigade of Guards, which already has 177 and 7 Battalions.
With the three Battalions forming the Brigade of Guards, the Federal Government is poised to fortify security around the Presidential Villa, members of the President’s family, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the North.Jonathan, who was the Special Guest of Honour during the Change of Guard parade commemorating the 52 Independence Anniversary by the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards, held at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the government was ready to ensure security of all Nigerians.
The colourful military ceremony featured the posting of Sentries/Colour Patrol; presentation of the Guards Brigade New Band; Consecration of Colour; marching in of New Unit Colour as well as the presentation of National /Regimental Colours to the Ensigns.
Jonathan also signed the anniversary register, cut the anniversary cake and released pigeons.
Defending the decision to create the 176 Battalion, the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, said it would strengthen the Brigade of Guard to be able to confronting the mounting security challenges in and around the nation’s capital and the North.
According to her, it was only the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces that could preside over the symbolic ceremonial presentation of colours to the newly-formed battalion.
Speaking on why the ceremony was held at the State House, Presidential Media Adviser, Dr Reuben Abati, said the Federal Government chose to make it low-key since the Centenary anniversary in 2014 will be an elaborate celebration.
Abati insisted that the choice of The forecourt of the State House as venue of the ceremony was not as a result of the security situation in the country.
According to him, the change of guard colour was purely a military event and the President chose to host it in Aso Rock.
In attendance at the ceremony were former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Senate President David Mark, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Police Affairs Minister, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd) and PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Others were PDP National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; National Women Leader, Dr Kema Chikwe; ministers, presidential aides and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Throughout the ceremony, military helicopter hovered round the Aso Rock vicinity to give security cover.
Speaking in a special 52nd Independence Anniversary broadcast, Jonathan enjoined Nigerians to remain steadfast in the face of the current challenges, saying the country was indeed making progress.
He called on every “Nigerian to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people”.
He commended and celebrated the patriotism of heroes past: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Michael Okpara, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Dr. Herbert Macaulay, and several others “who made the case for our independence”.
The President noted that “in spite of our diversity, the founding fathers resolved to translate it to strength”, saying “the new leaders resolved to carry the flag of independence for the benefit of future generations. They had their differences, but they placed a greater premium on the need to come together to build a new nation”.
“We weathered the storm of the civil war, we have refused to be broken by sectarian crises; we have remained a strong nation. I bring to you today, a message of renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead”.
Jonathan also reiterated his “unshaken belief in the future of our great country. I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative energies of our people. This is a central objective of our administration’s Transformation Agenda”.
While expressing optimism that “Nigeria will continue to grow from strength to strength”‘, saying he has been working hard and making progress on many fronts, “we have cleaned up our electoral process; our elections are now globally acclaimed to be free and fair. Nigeria is now on a higher pedestal regarding elections”.
He noted with delight that in spite the global economy crisis in the last five years, the Nigerian economy has done appreciably well with the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 7.1 per cent on average.
“It is also significant that the GDP growth has been driven largely by the non-oil sector. In pursuance of the main goals of the Transformation Agenda, a number of reforms and initiatives are being pursued in key sectors of the economy with a view to consolidating the gains of the economic growth,” the President said.
Other measures being put in place to grow the economy, he said, include improving and stabilising the crude production volumes, noting that”our 12-month gas supply emergency plan, put in place earlier this year, has produced more than the targeted volumes of gas for power generation.
“A robust Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been placed before the National Assembly. Its passage into law will ensure far-reaching reforms, transparency, accountability, increased government revenue and predictability for investors in the Oil and Gas sector.
“We have improved on our investment environment; more corporate bodies are investing in the Nigerian economy. Our Investment Climate Reform Programme has helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment commitments.
“Nigeria has become the preferred destination for investment in Africa. It is ranked first in the top five host economies for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa, accounting for over 20 per cent of total FDI flows into the continent. We have streamlined bureaucratic activities at the ports to ensure greater efficiency in the handling of ports and port-related businesses”.
On security, Jonathan assured Nigerians that security agencies were constantly being strengthened and repositioned for greater efficiency.
While expressing condolences to affected families of terror, he expressed renewed commitment of his administration to ensuring the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians.
Source: Compass
