The Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has declared that Nigerians are not as bad as they are being portrayed across the world, urging citizens time to portray the country in good image.
Dabiri-Erewa, a former member of the House of Representatives, stated this over the weekend at the inaugural launch of Akure Primerose Club, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
Her words: “One of the biggest problems we have in Nigeria is our image. We are not as bad as we are portrayed and we have to do something about it. Communication is the key. What are we communicating? What are we saying about ourselves to the world? This is very important.”
She called on Nigerians to always talk well and good to the world about Nigeria, and what they do as Nigerians.
“We are not a country of fraudsters or drug dealers. We are good people. We are precious, determined, hardworking, passionate, and excellent about what we do as Nigerians. That is who we are as Nigerians and most importantly that is what you are as an Akure indigene. I look forward to working with you. And by the next time we are meeting, we will have a female version of your group. I will be glad to attend more of your programmes and projects.
“I want to, particularly thank my diaspora brothers. What you are doing is what everybody should be doing. Getting those in the diaspora to come back home and see what they can do to improve the situation of their various communities. I am proud of what you are doing here today and I am happy to be with you for this programme. We are urging others to follow your footsteps in doing what you are doing here today,” she said.
On her part, Ondo state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola Olateju, said the state has been working hard to ensure that the country attains its potential.
“In Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is putting a lot into place. We are one of the two states that have a ministry for the diaspora. I was there before, so I know. We are trying to put together a diaspora bond that you can subscribe to. We are trying to build that intersection entity so that there is trust between you and us and whoever is giving service so that you can invest your money sensibly,” he said.
Present at the event were the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Oguniade Aladelusi, Odundun Il and other dignitaries.
