A communication practitioner, Paul Agada, has described repeated complaints from Nigerians in the diaspora as an expression of patriotism and advocacy for a better Nigeria.

Agada, a current postgraduate student in Communication at North Carolina State University, made the assertion last Tuesday as a guest on Rave TV’s Breakfast Morning Show.

He warned against the danger of stereotypical stories while decrying attempts to blame Nigerians in the diaspora for demarketing the country’s image.

He urged the media to focus on amplifying positive stories about Nigerians thriving abroad, rather than fueling rhetoric that divides Nigerians at home and abroad.

Agada stressed that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception, noting that narratives repeatedly amplified by the press often become the dominant lens through which Nigeria is viewed.

He explained that while some Nigerians in the diaspora express critical views based on their personal experiences, such expressions should be seen as a challenge to improve Nigeria rather than as deliberate attempts to undermine the country.

“When people speak about their realities, it should not be seen as an attempt to demarket the country, but as a call for things to work better,” Agada said. “We should assess if the sentiments they express are true, and work toward resolving the problems raised rather than attempting to project a false reality.”

He further challenged government agencies to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism by embracing excellent service delivery, as they are the face of Nigeria to tourists and other foreigners curious about Nigeria.

He also called for a culture of constructive engagement, where citizens hold the government accountable through respectful dialogue rather than resorting to defamatory rhetoric. He emphasized that this collective responsibility is essential to national progress, noting that how citizens conduct themselves at home and abroad is the most powerful tool for building a better Nigeria for everyone.