President Muhammadu Buhari has complained of embarrassment being caused to Nigeria by the youths who out of sheer desperation in search of greener pastures outside the country, dare both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
This was even as the President assured Nigerians and international community that the 2019 general elections will not only be free and fair but will usher the country into another clime of maturity, peace and unity.
President Buhari, who spoke at a separate occasions today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, first to the outgoing High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, Peingeondjabi Shipoh and to the four incoming ambassadors, insisted that there are vast opportunities for Nigeria and Namibia to cooperate in areas like agriculture and trade.
President Buhair decried illegal exodus to Europe, at grave risk to lives and limbs despite great potentials in Africa.
“We will do our best to make our country liveable again.”
President Buhari told the incoming ambassadors that Nigeria’s political and electoral institutions have continued to evolve in strength, skill and experience after each election.
“We are currently at the threshold of another general election and after five general elections in the country since 1999, we expect that the 2019 elections will be free and fair.
“The political system is good and if people work hard they will succeed.”
The President said the increase in number of political parties that will field candidates in 2019 elections indicates more democratic consciousness among Nigerians and willingness to serve the country.
He told the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Alexey Shebarshin, Buhari said that discussions on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, partnerships in agriculture and other bilateral interests in trade and economic development will be sustained, commending the country for always standing by Nigeria.
“We have opened discussions on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, and we will continue,’’ President Buhari added.
He also told the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Richardo Guerra De Araujo, that the historical ties between both countries and the shared potentials for growth will be further explored, with strong emphasis on economic and social development.
He said that the number of Nigerians in Brazil already provide a strong reason for deeper and richer discussions for both countries.
And to the Ambassador of United Arab Emirates, Fahad Al Taffaq, President Buhari gave assurance that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship that has existed between both countries for many years.
The President said the courtesies extended to Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates was commendable, assuring the envoy that his administration will continue to strengthen business and trade relations between both countries.
The outgoing High Commissioner, who spent four years and eleven months in Nigeria, said the country had become second home for himself and his family, submitting:
“I enjoyed great support in carrying out my duties. I return home with absolute satisfaction that our two countries are more than ready for intra-African trade and exchange of state visits by the leaders. Our two countries have a lot in common, and Africa can only be developed by Africans themselves.”
This was even as incoming Ambassador of Japan said that his country is grateful for Nigeria’s concern and support during the flooding that devastated the country.
He promised to work hard to further enhance relations in technology, agriculture and trade.
The Ambassadors of Russia, Brazil and United Arab Emirates assured the president that they will work hard to ensure improved relations in key sectors of the economy, while wishing Nigeria the best in the forthcoming elections.
