Nigerians living abroad have been urged to respect the laws of their host countries and refrain from activities capable of tarnishing the image of Nigeria and its people.

The call was made over the weekend in Italy by the immediate Past President of Yoruba National Community Italy (YNCI), Kolawole Oladele, at the inauguration of the Egbe Omo Yoruba, Ferrara Chapter, in Italy.

Oladele, who delivered a keynote address titled: ‘The Role of Socio-Cultural Association in National Development,’ said Nigerians in the diaspora had a responsibility to promote positive relations between their country of origin and countries of residence.

He urged members of socio-cultural associations to respect the constitutions and laws of their host countries while promoting international best practices in their activities.

According to him, members should also discourage one another from participating in or spearheading illegal activities that could stain or tarnish the image of their country of origin.

He said: “At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, may I implore us to focus on our positive roles to better our standard of living here in our country of residence and our country of origin.

“This includes, but is not limited to, respect for the constitution of the country, the rule of law, as well as conscious efforts to encourage people-to-people relations on both sides of the divide.”

Earlier, the National President of YNCI, Abolaji Adedayo, in his remarks, said the inauguration of the Ferrara chapter represented an important milestone in the development of the Yoruba community in Italy.

Adedayo who was represented at the occasion by the National Vice President, YNCI, Aderoju Oyewo, said the association was established to provide support for members, promote integration, preserve Yoruba culture and contribute positively to the development of the communities where its members reside.

He described Omoluwabi – the Yoruba ideal of good character as a value system built around character, integrity, industry and mutual respect.

“With the Egbe Omo Yoruba Ferrara, the following objectives are guaranteed: unity and support; integration with integrity; and cultural transmission.

“This association will serve as a first line of support for members facing difficulties, while also encouraging them to respect Italian laws and contribute positively to their host communities.”

Adedayo further urged members to ensure that Yoruba language, traditions and values were passed on to younger generations.

He charged the newly inaugurated executive members to see leadership as service and to operate with humility, transparency and fairness.

Also speaking, the President of Egbe Omo Yoruba, Ferrara Chapter, Bamgbose Babajide, said the launch was a declaration that Yoruba people in Ferrara were organised and committed to contributing to the development of their host community.

Babajide assured that the association would promote unity, protect the welfare of its members, preserve Yoruba culture and contribute positively to Ferrara and Italy.

He described the association’s logo, which was unveiled during the ceremony, as a symbol of Yoruba identity, unity, Omoluabi values and peace.

He assured that the association would remain a partner in progress with the Italian authorities and continue to promote peace, integration and mutual understanding.

He called on Yoruba sons and daughters living in Ferrara, Rovigo and surrounding areas who had not yet joined the association to do so.

Babajide expressed appreciation to individuals who contributed to the establishment and documentation of the chapter, including the late Dr Olumide Suraju Okunuga, a former Vice President of YNCI, and Oladele Kolawole, whom he credited with playing important roles in building the Yoruba community in Ferrara.