Jonathan Calls For Unity, People-Centred Leadership

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called on Nigerians to embrace unity and people-centred leadership  as we approach  the New Year.

He also urged citizens to renew their commitment to service and shared responsibility.

In his New Year message to Nigerians at home and abroad, Dr. Jonathan expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the opportunity of a new beginning.

He noted  that the start of a new year provides an important moment for reflection and hope.

A statement on Wednesday by Wealth Dickson Ominabo, Media Assistant to Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, stated that r he maintained that reflecting on the challenges of the past period, the former president acknowledged the economic pressures and persistent insecurity confronting the nation, which, he said, have tested the resilience of citizens and brought hardship and loss to many families.

Despite these difficulties, Dr. Jonathan commended Nigerians for their resilience, courage, and solidarity, observing that the enduring character of the Nigerian people has remained evident across communities nationwide.

Looking ahead to 2026, the former President urged both citizens and leaders to recommit themselves to the ideals that bind the nation together. He emphasized that patriotism must go hand in hand with duty, while leadership at all levels should be defined by humility, integrity, and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.

Dr. Jonathan further stressed that Nigeria’s continued progress depends on shared responsibility, mutual respect, and an unwavering dedication to the national interest, noting that these principles are essential for achieving stability and inclusive development.

He concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful, healthy, and fulfilling year, while praying for steady progress toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity for the nation.

The statement reads:.“I extend warm New Year greetings to my fellow Nigerians and to our friends across the world.

“As we enter 2026, we give thanks to God for the gift of life and for the privilege of a new beginning. The turning of the year invites hope and reflection, and it is with both that we welcome this moment.

“The period behind us has not been without its trials. As a nation and as individuals, we have confronted economic pressures and persistent insecurity; challenges that have tested our resilience and, for many families, brought hardship and loss. These experiences remind us of the responsibility we bear toward one another and the importance of people-oriented leadership.

“Yet, even in these difficult circumstances, the enduring character of the Nigerian people has remained evident. Across our communities, we have continued to see courage, solidarity, and a quiet determination to persevere. Our shared values, our diversity, and our collective belief in a better tomorrow have sustained us through uncertainty.

"These experiences remind us of the responsibility we bear toward one another and the importance of compassionate leadership.

"This spirit of resilience, anchored in shared values, diversity, and a collective belief in a better future, remains Nigeria’s greatest strength and the foundation for unity, peace, and sustainable progress.

“This spirit of resilience is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. It is the foundation upon which unity, peace, and lasting progress must continue to be built.

“As we move forward into 2026, let us renew our commitment to the ideals that bind us together as one people. Patriotism must be matched with a renewed sense of duty by citizens and leaders alike. Leadership at all levels must be anchored in service, guided by humility, integrity, and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.

“It is through shared responsibility, mutual respect, and steadfast dedication to the national interest that Nigeria can continue on the path toward stability and inclusive development.

“I wish you and your families a peaceful, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead, and I pray that our nation advances steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity." The statement concluded.