President Bola Tinubu has praised the achievements of Nigerians living abroad, stating that their positive contributions serve as an inspiration to younger generations and help enhance the nation’s global image.
The President made these remarks yesterday in Abuja while receiving Letters of Credence from newly appointed envoys, including the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio; the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Julius F. Sandy; the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile; and the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty.
During his meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner, President Tinubu welcomed reports of Nigerians excelling in Canada across various fields, including education, sports, science, health, and business.
He described their success as a testament to Nigeria’s talent and resilience. “It is good to hear how well Nigerians are doing in the diaspora,” Tinubu said.
Salvaggio emphasised Nigeria’s importance as Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa and highlighted his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture.
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“The Nigerian diaspora in Canada is dynamic and strong. We have Nigerians in government, business, science, and sports. We want to build on these ties further,” Salvaggio noted.
In his meeting with the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering development across West Africa.
He highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding support for Sierra Leone, which has contributed to regional stability and economic progress.
Sandy expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s assistance, stating that Nigerian professionals and businesses play a significant role in Sierra Leone’s development.
“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 walking the streets of Freetown,” he said.
With the Ethiopian Ambassador, President Tinubu stressed the need for African nations to work together to ensure peace and stability across the continent.
“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 President stated.
Haile pledged to strengthen Nigeria-Ethiopia relations, particularly in cultural exchanges, citing Ethiopian Airlines as a key driver of collaboration between the two countries.
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After receiving the Letter of Credence from the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, Tinubu commended the Catholic Church for its contributions to education and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
“We highly value 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,” he said.
He expressed anticipation for continued engagement with the Vatican’s leadership in Nigeria.
