Former President Goodluck Jonathan in the evening of Saturday, December 31, 2016, released a special prayer for Nigeria as the country joins the world to mark a New Year.
"My prayer for Nigeria in the year 2017 is that we continue to forge greater ties across the length and breadth of this great nation to the end that we may achieve the Nigerian Dream: A nation where the child of a nobody can become a somebody without knowing anybody.

"A nation where your knowledge, talent and character affect your upward mobility rather than the fact of your tribe, religion or birth.

"Such a Nigeria is possible if we all pitch in in word, action and prayer which I am sure we will do. I wish all Nigerians a very Happy New Year 2017.
"On behalf of my family and I, I congratulate you for making it into the New Year. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,"