The life of every Nigerian in every part of the world matters, President Muhammadu Buhari said in Sochi, Russia.
Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Russia Thursday night, the president promised to stretch government’s reach and capacity in protecting all Nigerians, not minding the distance.
“Our government will protect Nigerians at home, and abroad,’’ the president told a gathering of students and professionals towards the conclusion of his three-day visit to Russia where he participated in the Russia-Africa Summit, which had about 40 Heads of State and governments.
The president said the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, headed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was established to ensure a forward and backward link for all Nigerians living outside the country by catering for their safety and needs, and providing a platform for many who would like to contribute to the development of the country with their skills, knowledge and resources.
“Don’t forget your home,’’ the president said, advising all Nigerians living in foreign countries to be law abiding and work very hard to excel in their studies and chosen careers.
He assured that his administration would always be people-focused, pointing out that all the programmes of the administration had been tailored to buoy the economy and protect the poor and vulnerable.
“We must create jobs to meet the growing demands in the country, and we are looking at agriculture already,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that the government also introduced Social Investment Programmes to directly impact the lives of poor people.
“I met with Russian President, Vladimir Putin and we discussed some of the areas of shared interest which includes pushing for diversification of the economy in agriculture and solid minerals. Incidentally we have a lot in common.
“Russia exports crude oil like Nigeria, and it is the second largest producer of gas in the world. A lot can be learnt from their journey. We will collaborate in agriculture, oil and gas, and solid minerals exploration,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador, Professor Steve Davies Ugbah, said the president had restored the pride of all Nigerians by consistently meeting with citizens in countries he visited.
In his remarks, the President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Russia, Chukwujeku Ejike Sam-Fester, said the president demonstrated high sense of maturity and patriotism by visiting South Africa on October 3, 2019, to discuss issues relating to attacks on foreigners, including Nigerians, in the country.
“We are proud of you for taking that step to reconcile not only Nigeria and South Africa, but the entire continent,’’ he said.
He urged the government to extend gestures like the National Identity Card, Bank Verification Number and the 10-year validity for international passport, and encourage more participation in governance by inviting professionals in foreign countries to provide services.
Also speaking, a Nigerian female student in Russia, Kadija Mohammed Babanzara, commended the president for consistency in payment of bursaries to students.
“Since you came into power, our bursaries are paid in full and timely. We are grateful,’’ she said.
