President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that the 2017 budget proposal which he intends to present to the National Assembly on Wednesday will get the country out of recession.

The promise was contained in the President’s goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the Eid-El-Maulud celebration on Monday.

Buhari appealed to citizens not to lose faith in his administration’s ability to make a difference in their lives.

“As we use the memorable occasion of this (eid-El-Maulud) celebration to reflect on our current challenges, I urge you not to lose faith in the ability of this administration to make a difference in the lives of our people,” the President wrote in his message.

“The 2017 Budget proposals, which I will lay before the National Assembly on Wednesday, will contain measures that we are confident will get the nation out of its economic woods.”

The president said that the occasion of the Prophet’s birth is a period of celebration, and deep reflection.

“Celebration, because we are marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him), and deep reflection, because it is another opportunity of pausing, taking a deep breath and reflecting on the current realities before us,” he explained.

Buhari noted that the teachings of the great Prophet Mohammed, especially on peaceful living, tolerance, sobriety, generosity, sacrifice and honesty, and wisdom, have helped Nigeria in building a harmonious and prosperous society.

“Against all odds, we have used these pillars of strength in securing a just and fair society, and our efforts are beginning to yield dividends in curbing terrorism, militancy, corruption and other crimes that devalue our humanity,” he said.

President Buhari called on Nigerians not to allow the temporary challenges facing the country to dampen “our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us” but rather, it should challenge us “to stay together, fight together and succeed together”.

“As we look forward to 2017 with hope and huge expectations, let me assure you that with collective dedication and hard work, we will overcome the mountain of economic difficulties, and return our country to the path of prosperity,” he promised.