*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauds Nigerians’ accomplishments overseas, describing the West African country’s citizens as an inspiration to many

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

For their outstanding feats in various sectors of the global economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, said the positive reports on Nigerians in the Diaspora would inspire the younger generation on values that enhance the country’s image.

President Tinubu commended the Diasporan Nigerians while receiving Letters of Credence from Pasquale Salvaggio, High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, and Dr. Julius F. Sandy, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, in the State House, Abuja.

The Nigerian leader also received Letters of Credence from Legesse Geremew Haile, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this Thursday, stated the Canadian High Commissioner told Tinubu that Nigerians are active in education, sports, science, health, and business in his home country.

Salvaggio related how Nigerians in Canada have demonstrated high responsibility, civility, and purposefulness when pursuing their goals.

He further stated: “For us, Nigeria is a key partner. You are the largest country in Africa, with one of the largest economies.

“You are also Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa.

“I would like to advance the positive relations over the years.”

The Canadian envoy noted: “The Diaspora in Canada is dynamic and strong.

“We have Nigerians in government, business, science, and sports. We want to build the ties further.”

Salvaggio, who had previously worked in Ghana and Cote’Ivoire, said Canada seeks to expand its interest in oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture in its partnership with Nigeria, Onanuga stated.

Earlier in his remarks, President Tinubu lauded Nigerians’ accomplishments abroad, describing them as an inspiration to many.

The Nigerian leader said: “It is good to hear about how Nigerians are doing well in the Diaspora again.”

The statement also noted that President Tinubu, in another meeting with the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, affirmed that Nigeria’s interest in developing the West Coast and Africa remains a priority.

He told Dr. Sandy, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, that Nigeria’s decades-long investment in Sierra Leone has contributed to Africa’s progress and promoted bilateral relations.

The High Commissioner thanked the President for Nigeria’s support in keeping the country together.

“In Sierra Leone, more Nigerians are doing business than Sierra Leoneans. Most of my teachers in school were Nigerians.

“There is no difference between a Nigerian and a Sierra Leonean when you are walking in the street of Freetown,” the High Commissioner said.

Africans need to work hard together, promote peace and stability: Ethiopian Envoy

In yet another meeting with the new Ethiopian envoy, President Tinubu discussed the warm relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Haile stated: “We need to continue pursuing peace on our continent. We need to work hard together to promote peace and stability.

“Our challenge in Africa is insecurity. Insecurity detracts from development.

“We do not have anybody that will bring peace to us, except we work for it.”

The Ethiopian envoy also remarked: “I am in Nigeria to build on the achievements of my predecessors.

“We will focus on culture. Our cultural relations are a big industry, already enhanced by the Ethiopian Airline.”

After receiving the Letter of Credence from the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, President Tinubu commended the Catholic Church for its investments in education and interventions to reduce poverty.

“We have a lot of value for education in Nigeria, and the Catholic Church has done a lot in that regard, as well as in fighting poverty.

“Education reduces ignorance and poverty.”

President Tinubu added that he looked forward to receiving the Vatican’s leadership in Nigeria.

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