Isola urges Nigerians to rally behind country, leadership for progress

High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, has charged Nigerians on projecting themselves, country, and leaders positively before the world, stating that the widespread negative profiling was slowing down the nation’s development.

The envoy, who gave the advice at a breakfast business meeting, facilitated by Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, in collaboration with Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, in London, acknowledged that Nigerians are hardworking, intelligent and go-getters.

He said: “We are entrepreneurs and adventurers. So, push agenda for values and tell good stories to make a difference. I feel proud. I raise my head high anywhere in the world as a proud Nigerian.

“There is that spirit called the Nigerian spirit, which is resilience, hardworking and innovative, but the problem is that Nigerians don’t tell positive stories about themselves.

“Why should you allow other people to tell your stories for you as Nigerians? The social media should be used positively, and not for misinformation or falsehood.

“The world is so diverse, and there is need to break the walls, there should be a paradigm shift from consumption to production. Nigeria is a suitable place for investment.”

He urged objective and corrective criticism, noting: “People must have a positive approach to nation-building.”

Isola submitted that networking was key to business development.

In his remarks, Achudume reminded Nigerians that nobody else would build the country for them.

“Do not think of Western nations in the development of Africa. The Western media will not advertise the country, all they will do is bad publicity, to make you hate your country, he admonished.

The cleric pleaded with Nigerians in Diaspora to prioritise investment ahead of social activities.

Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Wole Elusakin,  and Managing Director of Wealthbridge, Ahmed Lawal, who were both guest speakers, observed that entrepreneurs rule the world, counselling Nigerians abroad to surround themselves with quality people and professionals for improved returns on investment.