President Bola Tinubu stated that the positive contributions of Nigerians abroad serve as an inspiration to younger generations, reinforcing values that enhance the nation’s global image.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja on Thursday while receiving Letters of Credence from four envoys, including the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, and the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius F. Sandy, Tinubu praised the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Canadian High Commissioner highlighted the contributions of Nigerians in Canada across various fields such as education, sports, science, health, and business. He noted that Nigerians in Canada exhibit responsibility and purposefulness, further strengthening bilateral relations.
“Nigeria is a key partner for us. You are the largest country in Africa, with one of the largest economies and our biggest trading partner on the continent,” Salvaggio stated.
He also emphasized Canada’s interest in expanding cooperation with Nigeria in oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture.
In a separate meeting with the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional development, stressing the longstanding ties between both nations. The envoy expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support in Sierra Leone’s growth and stability.
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from Legesse Geremew Haile, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican.
Discussing Nigeria-Ethiopia relations, Tinubu emphasized the need for African nations to work together in addressing insecurity, which he described as a major obstacle to development.
“We need to work hard to promote peace and stability. Insecurity detracts from development, and only Africans can bring peace to the continent,” Tinubu said.
The Vatican envoy, Archbishop Crotty, received commendation for the Catholic Church’s contributions to education and poverty alleviation in Nigeria, with Tinubu recognizing education as a crucial tool in fighting poverty and ignorance.
