By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    United Nations
    4th International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope And Action For Sustainable Development
    3 months ago
    The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
    AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa
    3 months ago
    UN
    North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel
    3 months ago
    UNICEF
    How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF
    3 months ago
    UNDP
    UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil
    3 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    Human Rights Watch Kicks Over 10-Year Jail Term Giving Burundian Journalist
    3 years ago
    Democracy In Africa In Crisis, Afrobarometer Warns
    2 years ago
    Hopesalive Initiative for Africa
    Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi Receives African Award In Ethiopia
    2 years ago
    Latest News
     South Africa’s Think 20: Experts Address How Africa Can Bridge Digital Divide And Achieving Financial Inclusion
    1 week ago
    U.S. Africa Command Commander Visits West Africa, Underscores Partnership In Addressing Evolving Terrorism Threat
    2 weeks ago
    West Africa Regional Preparatory Workshop For COP30 On Climate Change Opens In Dakar
    2 weeks ago
    Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent In Criminal Justice Systems Is Pervasive
    2 weeks ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Voters In Katsina Vow To Dump Buhairi, APC
    3 years ago
    My Son Must Win, Ondo State’s King Threatens His People
    3 years ago
    I Will Not Disappoint My Constituents, Dekor Reassures Ogoni People
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    EU, ADC Parley: Calls for Electoral Reforms To Guarantee Free, Fair, Credible Polls In Nigeria
    4 days ago
    NSC Chairman To Engage With Youth And Sports Stakeholders At The Nest Centre
    2 months ago
    Edo District Bye-election: SDP Candidate, Hon. Isidahomhen Promises To Pursue Best Interest Of Esanland 
    2 months ago
    PHOTOS: Vinod Obasa Takes Oath Of Office
    2 months ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Anambra Traditional Ruler For Burial 9 October
    5 days ago
    Lagos Hosts Eko Skills Development Initiative For Youths
    7 days ago
    October 1: Nationhood Must Translate Into Better Living Conditions For Nigerians, CAPPA Tells FG
    1 week ago
    EX-APC Chairman Sad Over Bandit Killings In Oke-Ode And Other Parts Of Kwara 
    1 week ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Nigeria’s Glo(W)Ing Entertainment Industry: 19 Years Of Strategic Partnership
    3 years ago
    2023 Polls: Stay Tuned To These Channels On GOtv For Breaking News And Analysis 
    3 years ago
    Family, Friends Celebrate As Princess Zara Raji Turns Two
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    GOtv Stream vs. Traditional TV: Why Viewers Are Loving the Flexibility
    2 weeks ago
    Securing Africa’s Digital Future: Entertainment in Safe Hands
    2 weeks ago
    BBNaija S10: Joanna, Mide, and Isabella Clash as Denari and Tracy Exit the House
    3 weeks ago
    Akamai Adaptive Media Player 2: Bitmovin And Akamai Set New Streaming Standard
    4 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    Ilara-Epe Kingdom To Confer Chieftaincy Title On Trinidad and Tobago Envoy
    2 years ago
    Kida, Ejidike Felicitate With Nigerians On Christmas And New Year Celebrations 
    3 years ago
    Heritage Confectionery
    ADICC set for Irish African Food Festival
    1 year ago
    Latest News
    Ambassador Raffy Bello Greets Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan-Ogunwusi, As Olojo Festival Begins In Ile-Ife
    2 weeks ago
    Preserving African Culture: Polaris Bank , Chivita, And Danone Support CIKDAS’ Youth Literary Initiative
    1 month ago
    Nigeria, Switzerland Takes Major Steps Towards Repatriation Of Artifacts And Cultural Cooperation
    1 month ago
    Archbishop Ugorji Hails St. Helen’s Choir As One of the Best Choirs in Owerri Archdiocese
    1 month ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Unity Bank Shareholders Approve Merger With Providus Bank
    2 weeks ago
    Yomi Joseph Digital Pr Launches 360° Marketing Solutions To Transform Brands Into Industry Leaders
    2 weeks ago
    Gov Abiodun Showcases Ogun Investment Opportunities At AfCFTA In Algeria
    4 weeks ago
    Intra-African Trade Fair
    Nigeria To Host Intra-African Trade Fair In 2027
    1 month ago
    Bank of Agriculture
    How Nigeria-Brazil Pact Will Boost Agricultural Investment, Food Security – BOA
    1 month ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    WHO
    WHO Gives Nigerian Laboratory Full Accreditation To Fight Measles And Rubella
    3 years ago
    European Union Allocates N75m To Prevent Spread Of Diphtheria In Nigeria
    3 years ago
    US Govt Must Heed Lessons Of PEPFAR – AIDS Society Warns
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    2025 World Pharmacist Day: Lagos Takes Healthcare To Ikorodu Communities
    1 week ago
    World Heart Day: Adopt Healthy Food Policies, CAPPA Tasks FG, States
    1 week ago
    Lagos Takes Fight Against HIV To Communities
    2 weeks ago
    Nigeria’s Health Financing: Lessons From Canada’s $32.5bn Tobacco Settlement
    2 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: What It Means To Be A Nigerian – Osinbajo
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Features > What It Means To Be A Nigerian – Osinbajo
Features

What It Means To Be A Nigerian – Osinbajo

Last updated: 2023/05/28 at 7:49 PM
2 years ago
Share
SHARE

BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE

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, SAN.

The Vice President spoke today 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.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

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

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left) and Minister of the Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at 1st 2023 Award of Nigerian Citizenship by Registration and Naturalization to 385 Foreign Nationals. PHOTOS: ADOGHOR BRIGHT OCHUKO

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.”

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,” he further noted, adding that “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 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.”

Highlighting what it means to be Nigerian, the Vice President affirmed that “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 subregion 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.

“The Nigerian citizen is a citizen of Africa,” he stated, just as he further emphasized the great attributes of Nigerians as a resilient and peace-loving people.

Despite the country’s challenges, the Vice President observed that nation-building takes time and the collective efforts of all citizens.

“So much has happened in this country that would have torn other nations apart, yet we are still here, growing and thriving. But let us be clear, we cannot and do not ignore or downplay our challenges and they are many. And we have said many times that in order to forge ahead and succeed as a nation, we must constantly reinvigorate the social contract with our people and deepen the meaning of our Nigerian citizenship.

“Nation-building is not a walk in the park, nor a day’s work. Yet while we fully appreciate our challenges, we must not underestimate how far we have come in just six decades of nationhood. Nations that are centuries older than us are still grappling with identity politics, nationalism, social equality, national and internal security and the assurance of decent lives and livelihoods for all.”

Commending the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Vice President noted that the Minister and his team saw “this process through which has presented us with 385 new citizens today. I also commend the honourable Minister for the far-reaching innovations he has announced today, all of which have the President’s full and enthusiastic approval.”

Welcoming the 385 newest citizens of the country, on behalf of the President, the VP also disclosed that he has directed the Nigerian Immigration Service to expedite the process of issuance of Nigerian Passports to the new citizens of Nigeria.

On his part, the Minister, 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 of the 2023 Nigerian Citizenship 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.

You Might Also Like

Yomidun’s Digital Empire: A Nigerian Creator’s Success Story In The UK

“God Own Daughter” Abiola Tenigbola Ojelabi Celebrates Birthday In Grand Style

After Four Years, Kwarans Tell Gov Abdulrazaq That Another Term For Magaji As KSSC Chairman Will Bury Sports In The State

Tobi Peters, The Broadcaster Who Manages Asisat Oshoala’s Brand And Other Top Nigerian Footballers

Uzoma Asagwara: Making Brave Success In Canadian Politics, Sports

TAGGED: Osinbajo
INadminNG May 28, 2023 May 28, 2023
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article Inauguration: PCN Congratulates Tinubu, Wants Increase Funding For Paralympians
Next Article Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition Ahead Indo Pacific 2023: $100,000 Innovation Awards Now Open
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?