Osinbajo tells new, naturalised Nigerians what it means to be Nigerian

…385 foreigners from US, UK, others now Nigerian citizens

Nigeria’s cultural diversity, hard work, innovation and infectious optimism of its people are some of the attributes that make it a great country, one that welcomes all classes of people from all over the world, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The Vice President spoke on Sunday while representing the President at the 1st 2023 award of Nigerian citizenship by registration and naturalization to 385 foreign nationals, which held at the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters, in Abuja.

Among the 385 recipients of the 2023 Nigerian citizenship are British national, Prof. David Jowitt and several Americans, including Mrs. Janice Okpanachi, all of whom have made their marks in different spheres of the Nigerian society, impacting many lives.

Prof. Osinbajo stated that Nigeria’s greatness can be partly attributed to its diversity.

“Nigeria is a nation brimming with cultural diversity. We have a rich history of immigration from all over, Africa and beyond. The greatness of our nation can be partly attributed to this. Numerous contributions have been made by immigrants to the Nigerian society throughout our history.

“A lot of our current traditions, music, food and art have been richly influenced by people and cultures beyond our borders. We are diverse but we remain bound and united by a shared history, undergirded by constitutional guarantees of liberty and equality. We celebrate our diversities believing from knowledge, history and experience that we are strengthened by these differences,” he said.

According to him, it was a thing of joy and pride when foreigners settle in the country, feel at home, and thrive.

“When these foreigners feel so connected to the land that they choose to become one of us, it is indeed an honour. I welcome you all into the Nigerian family with great pride. Irrespective of your country of descent or origin or your mother tongue, Nigeria is now your country, our history and traditions are now yours,” he added.

He urged the newest citizens of the country to go beyond your pledge of loyalty to the flag, our laws, as well as the high ideals of the anthem and national pledge to do what you have pledged in your daily lives and in all situations.

“By earning an honest living, paying taxes and dues, volunteering for national and local causes, and making positive and useful contributions to the advancement, progress and well-being of the communities you reside in, you can live up to the words of our anthem…to serve our Fatherland with love and strength and faith,” the VP said.

Highlighting what it means to be Nigerian, the Vice President said: “We are a hardworking and innovative people, a people of never-ending optimism and abundant capacity for hope. A warm and generous people, connected by a vast social network of family and friends. Many friends are even closer than family.

“We love our festivals, and family celebrations, who can beat the Nigerian wedding? Our music and films are everywhere in the world, our doctors, engineers, scientists, sports and literary figures are excelling daily, everywhere.”

Speaking further, the VP buttressed the very important and strategic role Nigeria plays in Africa and globally.

He said: “We have always shown ourselves to be our brothers’ keeper, leading peacekeeping forces in several troubled parts of our sub region and the continent, our young men and women in the armed forces have given their lives and well-being in defending the peace and security of our brothers.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that through the African Union and the sub-regional body of ECOWAS, Nigeria has been at the forefront of regional economic integration and the promotion of the well-being of the African people.

On his part, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola noted the reforms by the Buhari administration to enhance the process of earning Nigerian citizenship, noting that awarding citizenship to foreigners had positive implications on the nation’s economy.

The minister commended the beneficiaries for believing in the country in spite of the challenges, noting that the Buhari administration had laid the foundation for making it easier for more foreigners to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country as citizens.

He said that due to improvements in the processes of awarding citizenship to non-Nigerians, more foreigners have received citizenship under the Buhari administration than any government in the history of the country.