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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Australia, Ambassador Jane Bassey Adams, has assured the Nigerian community in Australia of her commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia.
Adams gave the assurance on the occasion of the 65th independence anniversary and family familiarisation organised by the Nigerian Association in the Australian Capital Territory (NAACT).
Adams, in her remarks, gave glory to the Almighty God, whom she said without His blessings, guidance and grace, the day would not have been possible, adding that the weather was proof that, indeed, the day was a blessed day.
She acknowledged the Government of Australia and paid respect to the elders of the land, past, present and emerging.
She further seized the opportunity to thank the leadership and members of the Nigerian Association in the Australia Capital Territory for their dexterity, patriotism, sacrifice and ingenuity in marking the country’s national day.
Adams said: “Indeed, it is very thoughtful of you all and I must say that the Nigerian Government and people are proud of you all.
“I am delighted by your love for your ancestry to organise this celebration to honour our dear country, as well as bringing families together to familiarise with one another and with a view to creating new connections, friendships and fostering unity among our children. This is a unique day for sober reflection and an opportunity to share ideas and develop ties that would enhance further cooperation between the High Commission and the Nigerian Community in Canberra and across Australia.
“As the acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Commonwealth of Australia, with concurrent accreditation to eight countries, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Nauru, I assure you of my commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia, as well as work with you to collectively build the Nigeria of our dreams, with resounding future for all of us, our children and the generation yet unborn.
“Let’s work together to build a greater Nigeria, one that will stand tall in the comity of nations on the global stage. Let us join hands to make Nigeria proud and promote peace, progress and unity of our dear country.”
She further expressed happiness that the Nigerian Community in Australia is mostly professionals, who contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of Australia.
She also said there was no doubt that the Federal Government is elated by the unprecedented achievements of Nigerians in Australia and their unwavering contributions to Nigeria’s economic developments.
“It is worthy of note that the Nigerian Diasporans have within the last 10 years remitted an average of USD$20 billion to the Nigerian economy, and this represents 6.1 percent of our GDP and 83 percent of our national budget. It is also 11 times the foreign direct investment inflows into Nigeria within the same period and this aptly portrays the strength of our diaspora.
“While your remittances have become an essential component of safety nets, cushioning the upkeep of millions of families back home, we also need to develop structures that would make these remittances offer a sustainable path to development. With an estimated 20 million Nigerians living abroad, our collective strength can push Nigeria to another level. I, therefore, wish to seize this opportunity to encourage you to acquaint yourselves with development and investment initiatives back home that you can key into, like the Nigerian Diaspora investment platforms, the Nigeria Diaspora Bond, government real estate initiatives like the ongoing Renewed Hope estate ventures, and agro companies, bearing in mind that charity begins at home.
“As you are aware, we owe duties to our father land, that means we have to defend, support, protect and contribute our quota to Nigeria’s nation-building and national development. Let us remember that Nigeria is our collective fatherland. We have the obligation to nurture it, develop it, promote and build it, to suit our aspirations.
Therefore, I invite every Nigerian to join hands in designing the Nigeria that we desire, one that will benefit all of us and secure our tomorrow and our dreams.
“In addition, I also encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities here in Australia that Nigeria can benefit from, such as mechanised agriculture, renewable energy, ICT, security, engineering, health, cybersecurity, sciences and education, among others, and taking into consideration your professionalism, connections, expertise and experiences, to advance the face and fate of Nigeria. The Nigeria High Commission stands ready to collaborate with you and provide the linkage for you to be able to access investment opportunities back home.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria has some challenges, just like many countries of the world. However, these challenges can be surmounted with unity, patience, love, support and cooperation. The government is also making concerted efforts towards addressing these challenges. We, therefore, need your patience to achieve these goals and with God on our side, we will overcome and these trying times will certainly end in praise.
“At this juncture, may I seize the opportunity to advise that we continue to be our brothers’ keeper, look out for one another and render assistance wherever and whenever necessary. I am saying this because of the information available to the mission regarding the issue of mental health challenges in Australia, which is becoming more worrisome in recent times. Once more, I deeply appreciate the leadership of the Nigerian Association in the Australian Capital Territory for including mental well-being education in today’s programme of events. In due course, the High Commission will organise a comprehensive seminar with the leadership of the Nigerian Community in Australia, for widespread awareness on the subject.
“I urge you all to continue to be good citizens of Nigeria and reflect it in all your actions and activities. Please, join hands with the High Commission to continue to strengthen our relations with Australia to drive growth for the development of our two countries. I also implore you to continue to be law abiding to the Australian laws and be worthy ambassadors of our great country, Nigeria,” Adams stated.
In his remarks, the President of NAACT, Prof Francis Chinenye Ogbonaya, said as Nigeria, her people and her leaders marked 65 years of independence from colonial rule, NAACT raised their voices in both celebration and solemn reflection.
“To you the indefatigable citizens, whose resilience has carried Nigeria through storms and sunshine, we say, congratulations.
“Yet, as the drums of jubilation echo across the land, let our leaders pause for deep soul-searching. Have the noble dreams of our founding fathers been fulfilled, 65 years on?
“This anniversary must not be seen merely as a milestone, it is a clarion call. A call to every Nigerian, at home and across the world, to rise and harness the beauty of our diversity, the richness of our culture and the boundless blessings of our land. Together, let us craft a future, where every life is sacred and valued: protected, nurtured, supported and empowered to reach its fullest potential. A future where poverty is not a recurring chain of despair, but a vanquished memory replaced by dignity, prosperity and hope,” Ogbonaya said.
