MR. SATA

From CHARITY MOONGA  –

in Abuja, Nigeria
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has commended Nigeria for the significant strides that country has made in attaining social and economic development.
Mr Sata said that the Zambian Government appreciated the major strides Nigeria had made since its independence.
“Nation building is not an easy task as it calls for commitment as shown by the Nigerian Government,” he said.
Mr Sata said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Defence Minister Edgar Lungu, at the commemoration of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations that marked the country’s 100 years of existence on Thursday.
The celebrations, dubbed One Nigeria, One Promise, whose theme was ‘Peace, Human Security and Development’, attracted the participation of 36 countries worldwide.
Mr Sata sent condolences to the people of Nigeria over the recent terrorist attacks in the north part of the country which left 29 school children dead.
“We salute the Nigerian President for his gallantry. Your leadership bolsters our confidence that the conflicts that characterised Nigeria in the recent past will be resolved. Zambia was proud to be associated with the leadership of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan considering the strides the country it had made in achieving democracy,” he said.
Mr Sata urged the people of Nigeria not to relent but to fight to even greater heights  to address the challenges facing that country today for the benefit of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
He said that countries throughout the world should learn from Nigeria’s social and economic development strides that country had made during its 100 years of independence.
Mr Sata pledged Zambia’s commitment to further cooperation with Nigeria.
Earlier when he addressed delegates, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan expressed sadness at the deaths of students due to the terrorist attack.
He called on African countries to address issues of peace, security and human development that had continued to be a challenge to many African nations.
Pomp and splendor characterised the celebrations which took place at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
French President François Hollande was the special guest at the celebrations.
The conference was held amid tight security and Nigerians from all walks of life started gathering at the conference centre as early as 06.00hrs.