NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigerian Army trains personnel on doctrine devt.
Defence/Security

Nigerian Army trains personnel on doctrine devt.

125 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) on Tuesday commenced a 5-day training workshop for its personnel on doctrine development to enhance their operational skills.

 

The Commander of TRADOC, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, who delivered the keynote address, spoke on: “Enhancing Doctrine Development for Effective Training and Operations in a Joint Environment” in Minna.

 

Aligbe urged the personnel to understand doctrine and its key concepts because it defines who they are and guide their operations.

 

He explained that doctrine was an authoritative guidance that outlines how military forces operate in various situations.

 

He said that doctrine was built on experience, law, strategic needs and validated concepts, adding that doctrine was not a set of fixed rules but rather a guide to action.

 

According to him, the mission of the Nigerian Army is to win all land battles in defence of the country’s territorial integrity.

 

“It’s to protect national interest and accomplish other tasks in aid of civil authority, ” Aligbe said.

 

He said the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy emphasised the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a well motivated and combat ready force.

 

He said that the current Nigerian Army doctrine was unveiled in September  2022, comprising 12 chapters.

 

The commander said the doctrine covered various aspects, including the manoeuvring approach to operations, mission command and the Nigerian Army approach to operations.

 

In his welcome address, Maj.-Gen. Jamiu Jimoh, Chief of Doctrine and Combat Development, said doctrine was important in military operations.

 

Jimoh, represented by Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Babayo, Director, Lessons and Learning, said doctrine was essential because it provides a unified framework for how military forces operate.

 

He highlighted the role of doctrine in ensuring that different units can work together seamlessly in a joint environment.

 

“Doctrine plays a crucial role in ensuring that different units can seamlessly work together in a joint environment,” he said.

 

He noted that the workshop aligned with the COAS’s command philosophy, which emphasised doctrine and combat development.

 

Jimoh called on the participants to apply knowledge gained to enhance their operational effectiveness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Joe Idika

School Feeding: Osun renews commitment to improve nutrition
General News

School Feeding: Osun renews commitment to improve nutrition

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By Ebere Agozie

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has restated his government’s commitment to improve the nutritional health status of school children in the state.

 

Adeleke made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at a Conference on Sustainable School Feeding and Child Nutrition organised by the Osun government in partnership with the AUDA-NEPAD.

 

The conference had as its theme “Sustainability of O-Meal for Improved Children Nutrition in Osun State Homegrown School Funding Programme.”

 

Represented by Prof. Abdulmaruf Adeleke, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, Adeleke said that the initiative stemmed from the need to nurture well-nourished children in preparation for a healthy and brighter future.

 

“Despite the growing food inflation, the programme has reached thousands of children over the years in spite of the glaring challenges plaguing its sustainability,’’ the governor said.

 

He therefore called for support from stakeholders and development partners to enhance the O-Meal School Feeding programme, which started in 2006.

 

“We want to build a smarter Osun pupil. The sustainability of O-meal provides an opportunity to invest in the lives of children, women, and others in the state.

 

“Every financial or technical contribution directly impacts children, allows for a more equitable society, and then plans towards drawing a clear roadmap for sustainability and development,’’ Adeleke said.

 

Representating AUDA-NEPAD, the CEO, Ms Agymi Abubakar, said that the Osun Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has over the years built a healthier, more productive workforce for Nigeria.

 

“O-meals is a direct, impactful translation of these national priorities.

 

“It is not only addressing immediate hunger but also enhancing school drive by its own citizens,’’ she said.

 

Abubakar advocated for strong partnerships with the private sector and sustained budgetary allocation in order to maximise the health benefits for the children.

 

“At AUDA-NEPAD, we are committed to supporting initiatives like the Osun Virtuous Cycle of Nutritional Improvement and economic upliftment,’’ she said.

 

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Mrs Nike Adeleke described the event as celebration of Homegrown success story.

 

She said that the renewed call was to strengthen, scale up and sustain the initiative in order to continue to shape the lives of thousands of children and families in the state.

 

“Since its inception in 2006, the O-meal programme has stood out as a beacon of consistency and innovation.

 

“This has made Osun the only sub-national in Nigeria that has maintained an uninterrupted and structured initiative with over 200,000 direct beneficiary, including schoolchildren,’’ she added.

 

The official said that the event offers opportunity for policy makers, technical experts, implementing partners, and donor organisations to deliberate on actionable frameworks for aligning the O’Meals programme with broader development goals.

 

“This includes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on zero hunger, quality education, and good health and well-being.

 

“We are here to evaluate the sustainability prospects of the O’Meals programme; share best practices and innovations in school feeding.

 

“The event will explore improved strategies for enhancing child nutrition; and to welcome new partnerships for broader impact in Osun State and ensure that no child is left behind’’.

 

At the programme were representatives from the Japan International Cooeperative Agency (JAICA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and the Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Tunisia and United Arab Emirate.

 

Others were the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Renewed Hope National Homegrown Feeding Programme, Mrs Yetunde Adeniji, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, technocrats and the private sector players. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

New tax law’ll boost FDI, empower SMEs- IMPI
General News

New tax law’ll boost FDI, empower SMEs- IMPI

105 total views today

‎By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) says the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 will enhance foreign investment and empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
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‎The group disclosed this in a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, on Tuesday.
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‎Akinsiju said the law, effective January 2026,  introduced provisions that abolished double taxation and encouraged business expansion.
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‎“With the implementation of the Nigerian tax laws starting in January 2026, foreign direct investment inflows into the country are expected to be reinvigorated.
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‎“A major thrust in this regard is the adoption of the Minimum Effective Tax Rate (ETR) in the Nigerian Tax Act 2025 and other fiscal measures,” Akinsiju stated.
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‎He explained that the new law brought clarity, a lower effective tax rate, and eliminated dividend double taxation.
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‎“The normal company income tax rate on a large company in Nigeria is 30 per cent of the company’s profit,
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‎“With the adoption of the ETR, Nigerian companies that are members of a multinational group with an aggregate group turnover of 750 million euros and above or have an annual turnover of 50 billion Naira and above will now be subject to a minimum effective tax rate (ETR) of 15% of their net income.
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‎“The goal is to avoid the double taxation of dividends and unrealised gains or losses.
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‎“This reduction in tax rates and clarity around double taxation for multinational companies will undoubtedly influence the flow of global capital to Nigeria,” he said.
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‎Akinsiju noted that the Act would also improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
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‎“In addition, the tax exemption threshold for selling company shares in Nigerian companies has been increased to 150 million Naira (from 100 million Naira) in any 12 consecutive months, provided that the gains do not exceed 10 million Naira. This is another ease-of-doing-business policy.”
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‎He said the law would benefit local businesses, especially SMEs, through tax reliefs.
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‎“This results from the simplified compliance and reduction in tax burden on businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as enunciated in the NTA 2025.
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‎“This will foster a more favourable environment for business expansion and job creation.
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‎“Besides, lowering business taxes (e.g., Corporate Income Tax), as exemplified in the Act, can encourage investment and capital formation, potentially boosting economic growth.
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‎“The overall tax structure, including the progressivity of income taxes, can influence income distribution and aggregate demand, affecting economic growth.”
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‎Akinsiju said the Tinubu tax reforms could reshape Nigeria’s economy more than any other policy in a generation.
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‎“Our verdict is that Nigeria’s federal administration, led by President Tinubu, has gifted the country a body of legacy fiscal policies with the potential to transform the Nigerian economic space more than any policy deployment in a generation,” Akinsiju stated.
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‎He said the four tax acts passed met the fiscal needs for fast and inclusive growth.
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‎“By our reckoning, these tax reforms, as reflected in the substance of the four tax acts, alongside the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of foreign exchange transactions windows are crucial.

“They are at the heart of the coordinated effort to reset the Nigerian economy on a sustainable and inclusive growth path,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Rwanda to enhance trade, aviation ties with Nigeria
Foreign

Rwanda to enhance trade, aviation ties with Nigeria

201 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria Christophe Bazivamo has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Nigeria in trade, aviation, and information and communication technology (ICT).

Bazivamo made the pledge on Friday in Abuja during the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day also known as Kwibohora themed “The Journey Continues”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion of Kwibohora31, is a significant date that commemorates the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Bazivamo said the collaboration between Rwanda and Nigeria was a catalyst for economic growth and development, adding that it would boost trade and bilateral relations.

“Rwanda is fully committed to collaborating closely with Nigeria to cultivate a thriving economic environment that benefits both our Nations. Trade serves as the heartbeat of any economy.

“By deepening trade connections, we can generate opportunities and enhance the well-being of our citizens,” Bazivamo said.

He also expressed pride in Rwanda’s partnership with Nigeria across various sectors, including trade, aviation, and digital innovation, with the aim of collectively shaping a prosperous Africa.

Bazivamo said that on June 27, Rwanda and Nigeria signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement to eliminate fiscal barriers and unlocking investment opportunities.

He emphasised the significance of the aviation industry in facilitating seamless connectivity between Rwanda and Nigeria and enhancing business activities and tourism.

He highlighted the potential of ICT in driving innovation and economic transformation, emphasising the benefits of investing in ICT partnerships for both nations.

The High Commissioner also underscored Rwanda’s commitment to regional stability, referencing a recent peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He pointed out that Rwanda’s progress in various areas, such as technology, gender equality, and economic growth was due to deliberate choices and a unified national purpose.

Bazivamo said that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 was a strategic framework focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.

He added that the vision aimed to elevate the country to an upper-middle-income status by 2035 and a high-income, knowledge-based economy by 2050.

He emphasised that this vision was not merely aspirational but rooted in a clear plan designed to benefit every Rwandan citizen.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Vietnamese administrative reform will enhance efficiency- Ambassador
Foreign

Vietnamese administrative reform will enhance efficiency- Ambassador

199 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

Mr Bui Hung, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Nigeria says his country’s administrative reforms will enhance efficiency within the government and reduce redundancy.

The ambassador stated this during an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

He highlighted the Vietnamese government’s strategy aimed at restructuring its administrative tiers, particularly by merging and reorganising administrative units at provincial and commune levels.

According to him, the initiative follows the adoption of Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15, which officially decreased the number of provincial-level administrative units.

He said that the reduction was from 63 to 34, comprising 28 provinces and 6 centrally-administered cities.

“The restructuring process is imperative for streamlining governance and ensuring that resources are utilised effectively,” Hung stated.

He explained that this plan was not only about reducing numbers but focused on creating more efficient administrative functionalities and improving public service delivery.

He added that as part of the reform effort, existing local government structures are being re-evaluated and refined.

“We aim to establish new commune-level Party Committees and appoint key leadership positions that align with the vision of efficient governance,” he noted.

According to the ambassador, this will enable local authorities to respond more effectively to community needs and enhance overall government responsiveness.

He also underscored the importance of these reforms in the context of economic growth and stability in developing countries.

“By eliminating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, we can minimise delays and streamline processes that have previously hindered effective governance,” he explained.

The ambassador said that the government had taken deliberate measures to address the various impact of these changes on political stability and leadership continuity.

“Our plans have strong public backing, and we are committed to maintaining continuity of services through established local authority structures throughout the transition.

“We believe that these administrative reforms will yield positive outcomes, ultimately benefiting the Vietnamese people through enhanced governance and an improved public,” he said.

He said that the initiative would further foster collaboration with other developing nations facing similar challenges, particularly in Africa.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Igbinedion varsity extends Prof. Mora’s council membership
General News

Igbinedion varsity extends Prof. Mora’s council membership

175 total views today

By Nana Musa

The Zazzau Emirate Council has commended the renewal of appointment of Prof. Ahmed Mora as council member of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state.

 

This is contained in a statement by the Media and Publicity Office of the Emirate on Friday in Abuja.

 

“It is with great pleasure that we announce the renewal of Wakilin Maganin Zazzau, Professor Ahmed Tijjani Mora’s appointment as a Council Member of Igbinedion University, Okada, for a further period of three years.”

 

It disclosed that Mora has been serving on the council since 2022 and previously contributed to the Board of Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH), Okada, from 2020 to 2022.

 

Mora holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree (Pharmacy) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto.

 

He is a Member of National Institute (mni), a Fellow of the West African Post-graduate College of Pharmacists (FWAPCPharm) and a Fellow of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and has undertaken several Professional and Management courses in various Universities and Institutes including Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

 

Mora led the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) as Registrar/CEO from October 2003 to January 2012 to execute a radical restructuring and transformation of the PCN into a global player in pharmacy regulation.

 

He was a member of the PCN Governing Council at various times and served as its Chairman.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NYSC urges improved welfare for corps members
General News

NYSC urges improved welfare for corps members

181 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to corps employers in Niger to provide accommodation and stipends for corps members serving in the state to complement the federal efforts.

 

The Acting Director of NYSC North Central Area Office, Mrs Tosin Ikupolati, made the appeal during the corps employers’ workshop on Thursday in Minna.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had as its theme “Administration of Contemporary Corps Members (Gen Z) for Achieving Organisational Objectives”.

 

Represented by Deputy Director in the North Central Area Office, Mr Tony Nzoka, Ikupolati said that the state was lacking in providing accommodation and stipends to corps members, which were essential for their welfare and performance.

 

She explained that the workshop was to strengthen the working relationship between the NYSC and corps employers, and to discuss ways to improve the scheme’s effectiveness.

 

According to her, corps members are products of a global order influenced by the internet and social media, and employers must make deliberate strategies to think in their direction.

 

Ikupolati also urged corps employers to apply artificial and emotional intelligence, empathy, sincerity, maturity, and tactics in dealing with contemporary corps members.

 

Earlier in her remarks, Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger, commended Gov. Umaru Bago for his compassion for the scheme at all times.

 

Shuaibu-Ibrahim said that the workshop was an avenue for stakeholders to interact and chart a course of action for the continued actualisation of NYSC’s lofty ideals.

 

“This gathering is to also appreciate and evaluate the contribution of stakeholders and corps employers for increased collaboration for more effective output,” she said.

 

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, urged stakeholders to harness the energy of corps members to achieve organisational objectives.

 

Usman, who is also the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, said that the scheme remained a powerful platform for youth empowerment, national unity, and community development.

 

He was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr Idris Legbo.

 

“As administrators and employers, your role is pivotal in shaping the experience of corps members, guiding their actions, and aligning their efforts with our state’s developmental goals,” he said.

 

Highlight of the event includes the presentation of awards to outstanding corps employers in the state.(NAN)

Edited by Victor Adeoti / Isaac Ukpoju

Dangote Cement empowers 50 farmers for agro-business
Agriculture

Dangote Cement empowers 50 farmers for agro-business

200 total views today

The Dangote Cement has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme (FEP) in Benue to support the government’s food security efforts.

The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue, which is considered to be the food basket of the nation.

The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State.

Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.

Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’

He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue.

According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.

Kor said that the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.

“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.

In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company would also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.

Murugan, who was represented by Head of Production Department, Soom Kiishi, said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”

He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.

“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from professional personnel,” he added.

He said that the company’s scholarship scheme cuts across students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.

 

A Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr Ahemen Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of the rare opportunity from the Dangote Cement Plc.

The Consultant said the company’s effort would help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support the government’s food security effort.

Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the FEP as a historic and huge intervention from the company, noting that the effort would not boost subsistence farming and help feed the nation.

He urged members of the communities to sustain the peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed with the company.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote trains women on recycling to curb plastic pollution
Science & Tech

Dangote trains women on recycling to curb plastic pollution

249 total views today

Dangote Cement Plc has instituted its Plastic-to-Fabric initiative in response to growing concerns over plastic pollution and in alignment with Nigeria’s push for a circular economy.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a circular economy is a model of resource management that aims to minimize waste and the use of resources by sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products.

 

A statement from the Corporate Communications Department of the company said to this end, the company has completed a five-week Plastic-to-Fabric training programme for women at its Obajana Plant.

 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Plant Director of the Dangote Cement Plant at Obajana, Nawabuddin Azad, said the beneficiaries were selected from the host communities in Kogi.

 

Azad, who was represented by Head of Human Resources and Admin of the Plant, Adeniyi Azeez, said: “As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, inclusive community development, and innovative material reuse, Dangote Cement Plc has successfully concluded a five-week Plastic-to-Fabric training programme at its Obajana Plant.”

 

According to him, the training with the theme: Turning Waste into Opportunity, will help beneficiaries on hands-on skills to repurpose used polypropylene (PP) cement bags into durable, functional fabric-based products.

 

Speaking at the event, Head of Social Performance Dangote Cement Plc in Africa, Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, said: “The training covered a range of practical techniques including washing, cutting, threading, weaving, and basic sewing, enabling participants to produce items such as tote bags, school bags, lunch bags, and purses.”

 

He said that the training programme was hosted in partnership with Ecobarter and facilitated at the Dangote Academy.

 

According to him, the programme focuses on promoting responsible material use while offering economic empowerment through skill development.

 

Mrs Zainab Amir, representing Ecobarter, the company’s partner that facilitated the programme, highlighted peer-led learning as one of its standout features, with more advanced participants assisting others in mastering weaving techniques.

 

She said that the event marked a celebration of community-driven innovation and reinforced the company’s dedication to creating shared value.

 

According to her, the Plastic-to-Fabric initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to support circular economic practices while building resilient, self-sufficient communities around its operations.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigeria open to world opportunities with good image, says activist
General News

Nigeria open to world opportunities with good image, says activist

206 total views today

By Zubairu Idris

A democracy activist, Mr Bishir Dauda, has urged Nigerians to project positive image of the country in order to enable them access more world opportunities.

 

Dauda is the founder of the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative, a Katsina-based NGO, a democracy activist, human right defender and Pan-Africanist.

 

He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Katsina after a recent visit to some West African countries in celebration of 50 years of ECOWAS creation.

 

“It is sad that many Nigerians are taking their country for granted. We don’t have any other place except this geographical entity called Nigeria. Nigeria is a permanent entity, while government come and go.

 

“Whatever issue or problem we may have with the leadership or government of our country; we should not say bad things about it because it is like putting a knife in your stomach.

 

“So, we have to be very careful on what we say or write about Nigeria. We should not insult and smear our country. This will affect us as a citizen directly or indirectly,” he said

 

Dauda said that the negative perception about Nigeria in the world is directly linked to what was said by its citizens against the nation.

 

“Some of the foreigners generalised because of the names we call our country, and they hold the opinion that all Nigerians are bad. This has affected the various opportunities that Nigerians could have accessed in the world.

 

“There is no country on earth that doesn’t have its own challenges. People don’t appreciate their country unless they travel to other countries. They encounter challenges even at the border posts.

 

“When I was travelling to ECOWAS countries, at the border post of one of the countries I visited. Immigration officials collected my passport and write 30 days and put stamp.

 

“They told me that after these days, they will consider me as illegal migrant in spite the fact that I am having an international passport, and traveling within ECOWAS member nations,” he said.

 

Dauda also urged African leaders to continue to evolve ways to improve the living condition of the citizenry, adding that this would change the perceptions of citizens to leadership.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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