Democracy activist Mr. Bishir Dauda has called on Nigerians to embrace and promote a positive image of their country to unlock greater opportunities on the global stage.
Speaking in Katsina during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following his tour of West African countries in celebration of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, Dauda expressed concern over citizens’ growing disregard for national identity.
He emphasized that while governments may change, Nigeria remains a permanent entity, urging citizens to value and represent it responsibly.
“Whatever issue or problem we may have with the leadership or government of our country; we should not say bad things about it because it is like putting a knife in your stomach.
“So, we have to be very careful on what we say or write about Nigeria. We should not insult and smear our country. This will affect us as a citizen directly or indirectly,” he said
Dauda said that the negative perception about Nigeria in the world is directly linked to what was said by its citizens against the nation.
“Some of the foreigners generalised because of the names we call our country, and they hold the opinion that all Nigerians are bad. This has affected the various opportunities that Nigerians could have accessed in the world.
“There is no country on earth that doesn’t have its own challenges. People don’t appreciate their country unless they travel to other countries. They encounter challenges even at the border posts.
“When I was travelling to ECOWAS countries, at the border post of one of the countries I visited. Immigration officials collected my passport and write 30 days and put stamp.
“They told me that after these days, they will consider me as illegal migrant in spite the fact that I am having an international passport, and traveling within ECOWAS member nations,” he said.
Dauda also urged African leaders to continue to evolve ways to improve the living condition of the citizenry, adding that this would change the perceptions of citizens to leadership.
