Obasanjo prescribes constructive role for Nigerians abroad

Olusegun Obasanjo,
former Nigerian President

Obasanjo prescribes constructive role for Nigerians abroad

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has charged Nigerians living abroad to adopt a more constructive attitude toward the unity, peace and development of their fatherland.

Obasanjo gave the advice in London at the launch of a book entitled: ‘The Blue Ocean: Peace, Power, Prosperity’ written by Miss Antoinette-Rita Opeyemi.

Fixing Nigeria

While alluding to a song entitled:“Nigeria Jaga-Jaga and Yama-Yama’’ by a Nigerian artiste, the former leader condemned the self-loathing attitude of some Nigerians especially those living abroad.

Obasanjo, who was also the Chief Launcher at the event, berated further, those who did not see or say anything good about the country. He said: “For me, Nigeria is not Yama-Yama; for me, Nigeria is not Jaga-Jaga. If you say your country is Jaga-Jaga and Yama-yama; then how do you expect others to see it?’’

“I normally say to Nigerians abroad who will say: “well, we will come home when you fix the roads”, well, you will never come. The truth is that we will never fix all the roads we need to fix today in Nigeria, like UK, America and others in your life time. If all you are waiting for is Nigeria to be fixed, then you are finished because we want you to be a contributor to fixing Nigeria’’, Obasanjo added.

Projecting Nigerian image

The former leader, who commended the author for her outstanding qualities, described her as an achiever and exemplary Nigerian.

He noted that Opeyemi in her own way had contributed positively by projecting the image of the country in the UK.

“We must encourage our achievers and appreciate them; I believe for appreciating Opeyemi; we are also encouraging others to strive hard to achieve”, he said.

Obasanjo urged all Nigerians to contribute their own quota towards the greatness of the country.

Earlier, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK and the Court of St. James, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, commended the author for her determination, devotion and discipline.

Tafida described Antoinette as a role model and urged Nigerian youths in the UK to emulate her distinctive qualities.

“They must stay focused on their studies and explore the immense opportunities in the UK which would enable them to realise their full potential’’, he said.

Nigerian heritage

The Envoy, who commended Opeyemi’s parents for the good upbringing of their daughter,  appealed to Nigerian parents in the UK to rise up to the challenges of bringing up their children.

“They (Parents) must seek to uphold the positive aspects of life in this country without jettisoning Nigeria’s rich traditions and culture, including respect for the family, authority and the fear of God’’, the envoy said.

Opeyemi, 21, who started writing poetry at the age of six said she intends to touch and impact on as many people as possible with poetry.

 NAN/Shakira/Ekata