Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has said that the positive reports on Nigerians in the diaspora will inspire the younger generation on values that enhance the country’s image.
President Tinubu made the remarks when he received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio at the State House in Abuja.
Presenting his letter, the Canadian High Commissioner told President Tinubu that Nigerians are active in education, sports, science, health and business in his country.
He stated that Nigerians in Canada demonstrate high responsibility, civility, and purposefulness when pursuing their goals.
“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 diaspora in Canada is dynamic and strong. We have Nigerians in government, business, science, and sports. We want to build the ties further,” the Canadian High Commissioner said.
Salvaggio, who had previously worked in Ghana and Cote’Ivoire, said that Canada was seeking to expand its interest in oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture in its partnership with Nigeria.
Responding, President Tinubu lauded accomplishments of Nigerians abroad, describing them as an inspiration to many.
“It is good to hear about how Nigerians are doing well in the diaspora again,” he said.
The Nigerian Leader also received the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Julius F. Sandy and Legesse Geremew Haile, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria.
In another meeting with the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, President Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria’s interest in developing the West Coast and Africa remains a priority.
He told the envoy that Nigeria’s decades-long investment in Sierra Leone has contributed to Africa’s progress and promoted bilateral relations.
The High Commissioner thanked President Tinubu 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.
The statement by the presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, stated that at another meeting with the new Ethiopian envoy, President Tinubu discussed the warm relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
“We need to continue pursuing peace in 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,” he said.
“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,” the Ambassador of Ethiopia said.
The statement added that 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 in Nigeria.
“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,” the statement said.
GIK/APA