Your Excellencies, Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions and, International Organisations accredited to Lebanon.

Members of the Lebanese Nigerian Friendship Association,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all to our celebration of the 49^th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence. Today’s event is an occasion that calls for reflection on the nation’s achievements and the challenges that lie ahead.

The significant work done over the last couple of years in critical areas of the nation’s economy are prompting changes that will enhance the capacity of Nigerians to live healthy, productive and prosperous lives.

The impact of the progress made in the agricultural sector has been tremendous. The capacity of Nigerian farmers to produce all round the year has been enhanced by the increase in irrigated land provided by the government in partnership with the private sector. Also, much has been done to enhance the handling of key agro-export commodities in which Nigeria has a comparative advantage.

The recent land reforms introduced by the government with the objective of removing the legal encumbrances that limit the use of land as a capital asset for agricultural production will have a positive and direct impact on economic growth, food security and poverty reduction.

Institutional changes have also been introduced to other sectors of the economy which will help to awaken dormant economic potentials in the respective sectors.

The government has continued to work towards the establishment of peace and security in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria which is essential for the successful implementation of the agenda for the development of the region. In addition to the Niger Delta Development Commission, a Ministry for the Niger Delta has been created to attend to the infrastructural needs and to meet the challenges of youth unemployment in the area.

It is delightful to note the positive response to the government’s offer of amnesty from the militant youths in the region who have laid down their arms in order to embrace the collaborative spirit in the development of the region.

Nigeria has continued in its active role on the global and regional level. This is evident in its subscription to the United Nations, Regional and Sub Regional organisation which is exemplified in its Peacekeeping mission in the UN-AU hybrid Mission in Darfur.

On the bilateral level, Nigeria and Lebanon have continued to seek with much zeal, ways of furthering the longstanding trade and commercial relations between the peoples of both countries which dates back to over a century ago and to build on the socio-cultural ties.

Our challenges can certainly be overcome and the vision of a strong, united and prosperous nation may be achieved through commitment, perseverance and faith in ourselves as Nigerians and in our national institutions. We request the support of all in achieving these goals.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long live the Republic of Lebanon.