New Year: Govs raise citizens’ hope

As Nigerians usher in 2026, state governors and political leaders across the country have rolled out messages of hope, renewal and reassurance, pledging improved governance, security, economic growth and inclusive development.

The governors used New Year broadcasts, religious services and official statements to reflect on past challenges and outline priorities for the year ahead.

While acknowledging economic pressures and security concerns, the leaders urged citizens to remain resilient and supportive as reforms deepen and development efforts expand.

2026 will be glorious – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that 2026 would be “better and more glorious,” calling on residents to remain steadfast in faith and unity.

Speaking at New Year church and mosque services in Marina, he prayed for divine guidance and urged support for President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would continue to make steady progress, noting that leadership positions are transient and service should remain grounded in humility and perseverance.

He encouraged citizens not to give up despite challenges, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future.

Religious leaders at the services emphasised reliance on God, unity and sincerity, while prayers were offered for the state’s leadership, institutions and continued peace and prosperity in Lagos.

Ododo seeks cooperation against banditry

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo called for citizens’ cooperation with security agencies to end criminality, describing security as the foundation of development.

In his New Year message, he pledged stronger collaboration with communities to sustain peace.

Ododo said his administration would focus on prudent resource management, youth and women empowerment, and inclusive governance.

He noted modest gains in security, infrastructure, education and agriculture despite challenges.

He also urged continued support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying federal reforms were expanding development opportunities for states.

Oborevwori promises inclusive growth, peace

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described 2026 as a season of renewed hope and collective responsibility.

He thanked residents for their resilience and patience, noting that modest gains were achieved through unity and peaceful conduct.

He pledged to deepen good governance, job creation, infrastructure renewal and security in line with the MORE Agenda. According to him, enduring peace remains the strongest foundation for sustainable development.

Oborevwori urged political, traditional and religious leaders to work with the government, stressing that building a prosperous Delta State is a shared task.

Otti pledges economic boom for Abia

Abia State Governor Alex Otti assured residents of stronger economic prospects in 2026, announcing plans to begin offsetting gratuity arrears dating back to the early 2000s.

In his New Year broadcast, he reaffirmed that “Abia first” would remain his guiding principle.

Otti outlined major investments in infrastructure, housing, education, agriculture and manpower development, including a N5 billion allocation for training and reforms in public service deployment.

He said special attention would be given to women, youths, persons with disabilities and senior citizens, stressing that inclusive growth and social justice would define his administration’s priorities.

Fubara: We rely on prayers, not war

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara said his administration would rely on prayer, not conflict, in navigating 2026 amid political tensions.

Speaking at a crossover service in Port Harcourt, he urged residents to remain calm and hopeful.

Fubara acknowledged political challenges over the past two years but expressed confidence that renewed faith would usher in better fortunes for the state.

He assured residents that his government remains focused on peace, stability and development, while expressing optimism about Nigeria’s political future.

Diri reflects on deputy’s death

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri said the death of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, deeply tested the state’s faith in late 2025.

In his New Year broadcast, he said the loss tempered celebrations but strengthened resolve.

Diri pledged continued execution of major infrastructure projects, including key road networks, power projects and public buildings under the 2026 budget tagged “Assured Prosperity 2.”

He said the projects would stand as lasting legacies of hope and progress, committing the state’s future to divine guidance.

Oyebanji: 2026 year of unlimited opportunities

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji declared 2026 a year of “unlimited opportunities,” promising sustained development and peace. He highlighted progress in infrastructure, security and socio-economic stability in 2025.

Oyebanji assured residents that security remained his top priority, especially ahead of the governorship election, pledging a peaceful and intimidation-free political process.

He thanked President Tinubu and federal agencies for support, as well as state stakeholders for their cooperation.

Okpebholo optimistic about Edo’s growth

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo described 2026 as a year of hope and growth, pledging inclusive development under his SHINE Agenda.

He said progress had been made in security, infrastructure and job creation.

While acknowledging lingering challenges, Okpebholo assured residents that his administration was tackling them head-on with practical governance.

He urged citizens to choose peace and hard work as the state advances into the New Year.

Kefas asks illegal miners to stay away from Taraba

The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has warned illegal miners to stay away from the state.

In a statewide broadcast on the occasion of the new year on Thursday, the governor said the state government would not tolerate illegal mining in any part of the state.

He said the measure was to protect the state against the activities of bandits and terrorists who used illegal mining to cause havoc.

Kefas said while Taraba fully respected the constitutional authority of the federal government over solid minerals, the state would not tolerate illegal mining, environmental degradation, or the use of mineral routes to fund insecurity.

He emphasized that the ongoing collaboration with the federal government and relevant agencies was to ensure that mining activities were lawful, environmentally responsible, security-compliant and beneficial to host communities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for violence, extremism and criminality, emphasising that no part of Taraba would be allowed to remain ungoverned or serve as a haven for criminal activities.

Obi calls for unity

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi urged Nigerians to embrace unity, truth and accountability in 2026. In a New Year message, he called for democracy rooted in daily commitment, not just elections.

Obi stressed honesty in leadership, compassion for the vulnerable and prudent use of public resources.

He called for national rebirth anchored on integrity, shared sacrifice and justice.

APC, PDP

The All Progressives Congress said President Tinubu remains committed to tackling challenges across key sectors. In its New Year message, the party said early pains of reforms were easing.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said economic indicators point to recovery, while reforms are improving infrastructure, agriculture and security.

He urged Nigerians to remain resilient, describing the administration’s success as a collective national gain.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party called on the Federal Government to recommit to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property. In a New Year message, the party cited insecurity and hardship as pressing concerns.

The PDP said governance must be people-centred, accountable and guided by the rule of law, urging institutions to resist pressure and impunity.

It vowed to continue holding the government accountable while standing with Nigerians in the struggle for equity and justice.

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