Nweke calls for pride in Nigeria
The minister of information and communications, Mr Frank Nweke Jr., has called on Nigerians to take pride in the country.
Nweke gave the charge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Toronto shortly after he launched the “Heart of Africa Project”.
He said: “We should rise up and pride ourselves as a people coming from a country with vast human and natural resources”.
The Heart of Africa Project, is an information programme designed by the federal government in 2004 to communicate the country’s phenomenal growth and potential.
It is also aimed at projecting Nigeria as a first class destination for investment and tourism.
He said that Nigeria was endowed with rich cultural heritage, arts, crafts and costume, which should serve as a source of envy and pride for each and every Nigerian.
He also stated that one in four Africans was a Nigerian and “that is why we said if you have not been to Nigeria, then you have not been to Africa”.
“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,” the minister said.
“It includes the internal reorientation programme, known as PRIDE, which stands for Patriotism, Reorientation, Inspiration, Determination and Enterprise, to motivate Nigerians to greater heights,” Nweke declared.
He therefore urged Nigerians both at home and abroad to imbibe the programme and always portray their country in good light.
“Also, 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,” he said.
Nweke further implored them to work toward regenerating the country and repositioning it for stability, growth, security, development and prosperity.
On the Nigerian rebranding project, the minister invited Canadian citizens and Nigerians in the Diaspora to come to Nigeria and see for themselves the transformation and “how things are getting better everyday”.
He, however, challenged Nigerians abroad 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.
NAN reports that hundreds of Nigerians in Diaspora, Canadians and delegates representing many fields of human endeavour attended the event.