As Nigeria marks the 45th anniversary of her independence from colonial rule, President Obasanjo has sent out a message of compassion and optimism, reassuring on his administration’s resolve to forge a new nation that celebrates excellence.

In a nationwide broadcast to mark the occasion, President Obasanjo expressed gratitude to God and full appreciation of the resilience, patriotism, and commitment of the Nigerian people while noting that over the years, the country has passed through lots of contradictions, challenges, conflicts, and temptations.

He observed that in spite of betrayed trust, mortgaged opportunities, dashed hopes and compromised steady steps to progress, the nation have emerged from all these tribulations stronger, more united, more focused, and more committed to repositioning our country for peace, stability, security, growth, sustainable development and democracy.

The President expressed condolence to the families of those who tragically died in the process and to their respective organizations, the Vanguard Newspapers and the Civil Liberties Organisation noting that, democracy admits of dissent, protest, marches, rallies and demonstrations and commended the Labour, Civil Society organisations and law enforcement agents over the conduct of the recent marches noting that it is a welcome development and it is an indication that our democracy is maturing.

He stated that he is running a "listening and caring government" while acknowledging that the reform process has precipitated pains in some constituencies he however urged Nigerians to think positive and be long-term in their thinking adding that the reforms are meant to strengthen the foundations of our economy and society, create jobs, wealth, enhance productivity, efficient management of resources and socio-economic progress. They are not designed to punish any individual or group.

Other highlights of the broadcast include:

Government’s determination to continue its policy of zero tolerance for all vices in a bid towards laying a solid moral foundation for the nation.

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is being re-engineered and repositioned to provide all necessary support with a focus on diversification, new technology, new production techniques, intensive export drive, and increased presence in foreign markets for our homemade products.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulation Agency (PPPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other stakeholders have been directed to work out a Modular Mechanism that will maintain current prices at the pumps till the end of 2006.

Discussions are on with organised Labour on ways to help cushion the pains of Nigerians.

Nigeria's image is on the rise, which has made her a preferred investor destination.

The President emphasised that government is committed to bequeathing to Nigerians, a nation where no one is oppressed and where opportunities abound for our people to reach the highest points of their creative and productive abilities.