President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday met with Nigerians living in Spain on the sidelines of his official visit, pledging that Nigeria will continue to defend the interests of its nationals living abroad.
The Diaspora team, which met with the President, included John Bosco, President of the association, his deputy, Richard Omoregbe, Super Eagles defender who plies his trade with Leganes, Kenneth Omeruo, Obinna Okafor, among others.
This was disclosed by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement on Thursday.
Buhari told the Nigerians, who he described as ambassadors of the country in Spain: “Many of you are here for different reasons, some for a fulfilling career in sports, especially in football from where you earn respectable incomes to sustain yourselves as well as maintain your extended families in Nigeria including investments back home. Some of you are engaged in other businesses that have enhanced your socio-economic status, both here and at home. More importantly, through your commitment to your various callings, you have enhanced the name and image of our country, thereby, earning Nigeria’s respect in Spain.
“I have also been informed of how law-abiding you are here in Spain. I wish to encourage you to continue to be role models for our youth back home as well as sustain the image of being excellent Ambassadors of Nigeria in Spain and live peacefully in the various communities in which you reside here.
“On the part of the Federal Government, Nigeria will continue to aggressively protect and defend the interests of all Nigerians abroad, especially the law-abiding compatriots.”
Buhari touched on the many challenges facing the country, assuring that the Government would not rest on its oars in surmounting them.
He said, “Our unity in diversity has always been our strength. I, therefore, call on all Nigerians, including those of you in the Diaspora, to join hands with us in building the Nigeria we desperately want.”
Talking politics, Buhari said Nigeria has started the process leading to national elections in 2023, noting that the government is working tirelessly to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission delivers credible, free and fair elections and a smooth transition to the next democratic government.
“This is with a view to concretizing our democracy and being an example to other African countries,” he stated.