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| Minister prods Nigerian Diaspora on country's image
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Atlanta, US (PANA) -
Nigerian Information and Communication
Minister, Frank Nweke Jnr., has called on Nigerians in the
Diaspora to help counter any negative portrayal of their
country abroad.
"The Federal government has taken the bold initiative to
introduce the image programme to create a positive outlook
for the country, so you should also take the campaign to
the next level," Nweke told a town hall gathering of
Nigerians, at Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday.
He charged his compatriots to challenge any attack on Nigeria
and its people, saying: "we should take it as a matter of
responsibility to fight back against any wrong information
on Nigeria."
The Minister also urged them to sustain the momentum of the
image project by portraying the country in good light, and
imparting in their children positive values and morals on
Nigeria.
"You should endeavour to disabuse the minds of other
nationals on the negative and unjust profiling of
Nigeria by some foreigners and the international media.
"Nigeria is endowed with rich cultural heritage, arts,
crafts and costume, which should serve as a source of
pride and delight to each and every Nigerian," Nweke said.
According to him: "Our size, combined with the strides we
are making towards consolidating our democracy and regional
leadership, means that Nigeria is truly at the Heart of
Africa."
He urged his listeners to work toward regenerating Nigeria
and repositioning it for stability, growth, security,
development and prosperity.
On the Nigeria re-branding project, the minister said the
Nigerian Diaspora should visit home and see for themselves
the transformation going on and "how things are getting
better everyday."
He challenged them to contribute their quota to the growth
of the country by bringing in genuine businesses and
investment to make Nigeria a stronger and viable nation.
The Chairman, Alliance of Nigerian Organisations in Georgia
(ANOG), Ezekiel Macham, said there were over 40,000 Nigerians
living in the State of Georgia, including professionals
contributing to the US economy.
"In Georgia, and throughout the US, Nigerians are renowned
professors in Ivy League Colleges and universities. They are
in teaching hospitals nationwide as well as professors of
medicine and humanities," he said.
Hundreds of Nigerians in different walks of life attended the
meeting.
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| Atlanta - 23/02/2007 |
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