Nigeria’s former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Bukun-Olu Onemola, says it is important for Nigerians to have the right attitude in order to strengthen ties with current allies.
Onemola, who said this in an interview, on Thursday, in Abuja, said that having the right attitude would also improve international relationships and attract potential allies.
The former UN official was reacting to the recent deportation of about 500 Nigerians from Libya, Cameroon, Italy, Belgium and Germany, including 97 from South Africa for alleged civil and criminal offences.
“We must educate our people on the need to always do what is right and assimilate the right attitude because our attitude of not doing what is right is what is projected to the world and this will affect our relationships.
“The fact that we are seen to be corrupt is hindering us from stronger relationships with other countries which is also affecting our level of development.
“Everybody is involved one way or the other in how our country is projected and perceived internationally, so everybody has to be involved in improving our country’s image by ensuring we do the right thing.
“The government, churches and mosques have a major role to play in society by emphasising on the teaching and demonstration of the right attitude to have.
According to him, parents also have to ensure they raise their children right and monitor their activities as they are the foundation of morals molded from the home.
Onemola said that Nigeria’s alliance with some countries that had long term international allies had dwindled over time due to certain issues the country may have been involved in.
“If Nigerians are able to improve their attitude to work, the way we relate with one another and be fair and unbiased in our judgments, I am sure the image of Nigeria presently would improve.’’
Onemola also stressed the need for Nigerians to be law abiding wherever they reside.
“We have to ensure we develop ourselves and abide by laws governing any society we find ourselves in, so that we don’t end up getting blamed for the mishaps in the communities we find ourselves in.
“We cannot continue to break laws or get involved in acts that might be seen as criminal.
“The actions of a few bad eggs are what cause communities to see all Nigerians as criminals, which is very wrong and we have to work hard to correct that.
“If a man is known to be a thief, but gradually proves people wrong by doing the right thing and being responsible in the society, there would be a gradual appreciation for his new personality which will attract people to him.’’
According to him, when we make conscious effort to change our image with a better approach to situations, international communities will notice.
“Our new found image would improve the way Nigerians are treated in the various countries they visit and our allies will definitely reconnect and take us more seriously.’’
He said that Nigeria’s allies would also see the need to strengthen their relationship with us, while our new personality would cause us to attract new allies.
This, Onemola said would be beneficial for our economic and national growth. (NAN)
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