Nigerians in Diaspora urged to promote Nigeria’s global image

Nigerians in Diaspora urged to promote Nigeria’s global image

Nigeria’s Vice President, Namadi Sambo has asked Nigerians abroad to strive to promote the country’s interest globally to facilitate smooth implementation of the government’s transformation agenda.

Declaring open the fifth National Diaspora Day and Conference in Abuja, Sambo noted that Nigerians abroad were the mirror through which the international community viewed Nigeria and Nigerians.

Asset for development

He noted that the Diaspora had become a valuable asset and a catalyst for development.

“As a group, the Diaspora constitutes a force for positive change which should be maximally harnessed for the development of our homeland.

“We recognise you as important stakeholders in the Nigerian Project.

“This accounts for why we desire to work with you as a development entity, a constituent part of Nigeria in our quest to place our country among the league of the most developed countries in the world.''

The Vice President urged them to conduct themselves with honour and dignity in the pursuit of their daily endeavours.

The Vice President also asked them to always unite and shun all divisive tendencies to enable them contribute meaningfully to the nation’s collective aspiration.

He noted that it was the only way they could sustain their engagement and maintain their relevance and credibility.

Sambo said: “The hope of this nation lies in our ability to work together in the service of our country. Let our meeting today serve as another opportunity for us to commit to do whatever we can to fast-track the growth and development of our motherland.”

Commendations

He expressed appreciation to those Nigerians in various countries abroad who had been contributing to the development of the country through remittances, investments, involvement in education and capacity-building.

He particularly thanked the `Diaspora patriots’ in the health profession who had been engaged in humanitarian activities through the medical missions they conducted to various communities across the country.

In his remark, the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, commended the `Diasporas’ for distinguishing themselves in their chosen professions.

He noted that the Diaspora Day had become a veritable occasion for discussion on how Nigerians abroad could positively contribute towards the speedy development of Nigeria.

“Going by the economic success of Israel, China and India, it is an established global fact that the Diasporas have the potential sources of financial and intellectual capital.

“Nigeria is the largest and the most vibrant intellectual country in Africa.''

The occasion was witnessed by government dignitaries and many Nigerians abroad.

NAN/Williams