(PRESS STATEMENT)
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO AANI MEMBERS AND NIGERIANS
Esteemed members of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) and fellow Nigerians,
As we observe the Yuletide season and prepare to enter a new year, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to members of the Alumni Association of the National Institute and to Nigerians at home and abroad.
This period invites reflection on our shared journey as a people, appreciation for our collective efforts, and a renewed commitment to the values that sustain our nation—peace, unity, responsibility, and service to the common good.
Nigeria continues to navigate a complex national landscape marked by economic pressures and security challenges.
In this regard, I acknowledge and commend the resilience, patience, and fortitude consistently demonstrated by Nigerians.
Despite prevailing difficulties, our citizens remain industrious, hopeful, and deeply committed to the ideals of national progress.
These qualities provide a strong basis for confidence in the future of our country.
I urge all Nigerians to continue to uphold the principles of good citizenship, respect for the rule of law, tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, which remain indispensable to national stability and sustainable development.
On behalf of AANI, I recognise the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the security agencies, and the intelligence services.
Their professionalism and unwavering commitment to the defence of our sovereignty and the protection of lives and property deserve national appreciation.
We honour their service and remain mindful of the risks they shoulder daily in the pursuit of peace and security.
I also acknowledge members of AANI, a distinguished community of accomplished Nigerians drawn from diverse sectors of national life.
Your contributions to leadership development, policy engagement, mentorship, and nation-building continue to add value to our national discourse.
I encourage members to further deploy their expertise, experience, and networks in support of national development.
It is imperative that governments at all levels consistently leverage the significant intellectual and professional capital within our Association.
As the nation looks toward 2026, AANI acknowledges with great interest, the efforts of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in steering the country through a period of transition and reform.
We encourage the consolidation of these efforts, with sustained focus on economic growth, national security, and the welfare of citizens, in order to translate policy intent into tangible and inclusive outcomes for all Nigerians.
Let me reaffirm that AANI stands ready to collaborate with government, development partners, and other stakeholders in advancing good governance, strategic thinking, peace-building, and sustainable development.
Through constructive engagement, shared responsibility, we will continue to serve as advocates of genuine and inclusive social transformation, as well as contribute meaningfully to the emergence of a more just, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
As we mark this festive season, I call on Nigerians to conduct themselves with restraint, compassion, and a renewed sense of national solidarity, and to remain mindful of the needs of the vulnerable in our society, in keeping with the true spirit of the season.
I wish members of AANI and all Nigerians a peaceful Christmas season and a stable, productive, and fulfilling New Year.
God bless you all.
God bless AANI.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
E-Signed:
Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni
President,
Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI)
