Posted by From Josephine Lohor in Abuja on
President Olusegun Oba-sanjo has said that his administration would, just as it did with the debt relief, 'remain undaunted and unapologetic ' in its campaign and drive for foreign investment.
President Olusegun Oba-sanjo has said that his administration would, just as it did with the debt relief, 'remain undaunted and unapologetic ' in its campaign and drive for foreign investment.
Obasanjo, in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Conference on "Bridging the Scientific Divide: Forging a Constructive Relationship with Nigerian Diaspora" yesterday said Nigerians living abroad 'should be able to make some tangible contributions to complement and sustain our efforts at home.
'With their talents, knowledge, skills and expertise as well as resources and the contributions they are making in the countries where they reside, Nigeria stands to benefit too, if we can tap into the reservoir of resources, skills, expertise and finances of the Nigerian Diaspora", he added.
According to him, "the attitude of transferred opposition or rejection of everything government has to stop. We cannot move forward with such attitudes. We must give our country a chance to grow and to enjoy peace, stability, harmony, security, growth, development and democarcy. The truth is that this is not the Nigeria of 10 years ago and we are making great strides in all directions even as we know that we are yet where we would like to be".
While observing that the more Nigerians investing in Nigeria would translate to more foreigners following such lead he, however, said that 'some of you in the Diaspora have treated our on-going reform agenda, encapsulated in the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), with skepticism or indifference even when it is being hailed by our development partners and emulated by other African countries as a good example of a home-grown development strategy.
'Some of you have dismissed or denigrated it even without seeing or reading the document or asking critical questions from responsible officials. Some of your leaders believe in permanent opposition and attacks against all government policies, even those that favour them directly. They are stuck in the the past and cannot provide the sort of leadership required in this era of globalisation and democratisation. They need to retool and refocus on today's challenges without forgetting the past", he added.
Obasanjo who noted that there was indeed need to develop an effective relationship with the Nigerian Diaspora, said 'there is the need, however, to work in tandem with colleagues at home so that we can reduce the dependence on foreign experts and consultants, some of who do not understand our historical and contexual specificities. Today, the linkages between our home institutions and the Nigerian Diaspora are either weak, non-existent or strictly personal. This must change for the better. You need to energise each other in the interest of Nigeria".
He said that the time had come for the setting aside of a day to be known as Diaspora Day 'when those abroad can come home and take part in events that will explore opportunities", adding that 'in a world that has become more competitive, more globalised, more dependent on technology and propelled by information technology, Nigeria has no choice but to race against time. Everybody must be mobilised for this venture.
This administration is determined to recognise and take full advantage , the huge pool of talents, skills and expertise of Nigerians in the Diaspora which, if adequately tapped, could greatly complement our development efforts at home".
Obasanjo also said that 'partnership is a shared responsibility. It is not enough to task and challenge the Nigerian Diaspora alone. On our part therefore, this administration will continue to strive with increased energy and determination to create the enabling environment, enhance the investment climate, ensure paece, security and stability in order to strengthen the confidence of all Nigerians wherever they are, in their belief and commitment to the country".