The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has advised ambassadors designate, consuls general and Charge d’Affaires recently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to convey the message of unity to Nigerians in diaspora as they set for their deployment outside the country.
Bello gave the charge recently during the visit of the envoys to the Federal Capital Territory Association (FCTA) as part of their induction exercise. He said as FCT symbolizes the unity of Nigeria, so is the unity of every Nigerian is important irrespective of his cultural background, religious belief and political affiliation.
He made reference to the theme for the 60th independence anniversary of Nigeria which also centred on unity and togetherness of her people.
Bello said, “As the largest black nation on earth, with our population, with the enormous amount of resources that God has endowed us with, we are better off together and united, and I hope that as our Ambassadors, our Consul Generals, Charge d’Affaires and Heads of Missions, you will take this message across”.
The minister also challenged the new envoys to build on the achievements and positive activities of their predecessors.
“My advice to you is, instead of trying to create new things, look inwards within your mission and consulates and see the works in progress. I think if you are able to do that, you will cut down the time it takes for you to acclimatize and then you would be able to push for so many things that would be of benefit to our dear country”, he added.
FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, while reminding the diplomats that their duties included the promotion of peace, trade and the exchange of information also urged them to use their vantage positions to market the abundant investment opportunities available in the FCT, which included opportunities in the agricultural, tourism and recreation, sustainable energy, housing, healthcare and transportation amongst others.
The essence of the induction exercise according to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, was to familiarize the ambassadors designate with the requirement of representational duties.
By Taofeek Lawal, Abuja
