Mayor of London urges Nigerians in Diaspora on role in Nation's development

MAYOR of London, Boris Johnson has said that Nigerians living in the United Kingdom (UK) have all it takes to assist Nigeria in the country’s development.

Johnson, who was represented by Colin Bloom, Member of Parliament, spoke at the recently concluded Nigerian carnival organised by the Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (CANUK), urging them to brace up to change the country. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience, at the event said Nigeria needs peace for sustainable development, just as she urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to join hands with the government. Represented by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, Patience said, “It is through peace and harmony that the nation can grow. We should articulate our grievances with a view to resolving them, rather than take to violence, maiming and killings.” The Mayor said Nigerians are very energetic, hardworking and progressive people worldwide, stressing, “Nigeria is a beautiful country for beautiful people. Your carnival is very important and it serves as a tool to unite Nigerian people living in the UK.“ She called on the over 2,000 Nigerians who came from different parts of the UK to use their diverse cultures to project the image of the nation. Speaking in the same vein, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida said the Mission had been repositioned to better serve the interest and welfare of the community, while promoting a sense of belonging, unity and amity among Nigerians in the UK. He appealed to all Nigerians in the UK to “join us in the pursuit of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government by making their modest contributions in every way possible.” Dalhatu stated that this year’s event unlike last year’s was slightly different, noting that it was the first time the organisers will be collaborating with CANUK to hold the occasion.