President Muhammadu Buhari, in Sochi, Russia on Thursday, promising 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 in Sochi,
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.
President Buhari 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.
The President assured that his administration will 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.
“Yesterday 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.
The Nigerian Ambassador, Prof 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 President Buhari
demonstrated a high sense of maturity and patriotism by visiting South
Africa on October 3rd, 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.
Sam-Fester urged the government to extend gestures like the National
Identity Card, BVN, 10-year validity passport and encourage more
participation in governance by inviting professionals in foreign
countries to provide services.
In her remarks, a Nigeria 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.