Christmas: Poverty alleviation, my immediate priority, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday said the immediate priority of his administration was to alleviate poverty in the country.

This, he said, he planned to achieve by quickly stimulating the economy.

Buhari disclosed this in his Christmas message to Nigerians made available to journalists.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is doing its best to make life easier for all citizens.

While asking Nigerians to keep hope alive, the President also appealed to them to continue to pray for the country for it to overcome its current challenges.

He also sought prayers for Internally Displaced Persons and the nation’s troops fighting insurgency in the North East.

The President’s Christmas message read, “I heartily rejoice with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, on this year’s celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

“As we celebrate this year’s Christmas, I believe that it is very appropriate for us to reflect on the love of God aptly espoused in the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

“During his earthly sojourn, Jesus Christ repeatedly reminded his disciples and followers of peace that comes in the midst of trials and tribulations on earth.

“There is no better time than now in our nation’s history to pray for divine guidance to get over our current challenges.

“We can have peace in Nigeria if we all learn to tolerate and appreciate one another, respect constituted authority; and be our brothers’ keepers in word and deed.

“During this period, we should remember to offer special prayers to God for all our heroic citizens who paid the supreme price to restore peace and security in the North East and other flash points in the country. Let us also remember in our prayers the security forces in the frontline in the continuing battle to rid our nation of terrorism and violence.

“We must not forget the Internally Displaced Persons in our midst and those who have suffered untold hardship as a result of activities of insurgents and terrorists.

“Our immediate priority is to alleviate the poverty of Nigerians by quickly stimulating the economy. I assure Nigerians that our government is doing its best to make life easier for all.

“Let us therefore, renew our hope in the God-ordained unity, progress and prosperity of our great nation.

“I wish all travellers safe movements and a memorable holiday as we celebrate with our family and friends. Merry Christmas.”