Nigerian Image Campaign'll Be People-driven, Says Chikelu
By Tunmise Adekunle
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Chief Chukwuemeka Chikelu, has revealed that the Nigeria Image Project will be people-driven as it will focus on projecting the best values inherent in Nigeria and Nigerians.
During an interactive session with journalists which took place at the Muson Centre in Lagos, the Minister enjoined the media to give the government the much needed support for the success of the project.
In his words. "The media is very vital to the success of this project and together we shall make this country a place we can be proud of by showcasing the best values inherent in Nigeria and Nigerians".
According to the Minister, 0.00025% of Nigerians are involved in the Advance Fee Fraud (419) cases and added that only greedy foreigners fall victim. He added that campaigns that will deal with the issue of 419 is in the pipeline, but that the focus is on the success rate of Nigerians in various fields and challenges they have effectively and efficiently handled in all parts of the world.
"All good things are happening to our great nation under this administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo and we definitely must be part of the success story. This is a turning point in our country's history and we are happy to the part of history," Chikelu said.
The Minister, while answering questions on the need for funding for the project, gave example of South Africa which went to London and fully sponsored 40 London cab drivers on an all expenses paid trip to South Africa just to experience the new thinking and culture in their country.
"That exposition resulted in a massive campaign by the London Cabs who flew South African flags on their cars and sold South Africa to everyone thus giving a face to the publicity drive of the new rainbow nation" he added.
Speaking further, Chikeku said the number of Nigerians that are making very impressive and strategic contributions to the growth and development of businesses and nations around the world far outnumbers the handful that are involved in those extralegal activities often highlighted in the media. "The majority of Nigerians, irrespective of class, gender, ethnic and other social differences are proud, hardworking, creative/ patriotic and Godfearing, he streesed".
Chikelu also regretted that while other nations have managed the information the world receives about them and have consistently put their best foot forward, Nigeria on the contrary seemed to have adopted a lukewarm attitude for too long and has thus been unfairly stereotyped.
President Obasanjo on Wednesday July 14, 2004 at the Presidential Villa began the campaign on the project. Speaking at the forum for selected organized private sector leaders, Obasanjo said the present democratic environment makes it imperative to give Nigeria a fresh breath.
"In every nation, at every point in time, there are those who are called upon to impact positively on generations and society, in politics, economics or social welfare; there are those who will always stand up to uplift the nation and chart the way forward," the president said.
President Obasanjo described such individuals as patriots, visionaries and lovers of excellence who as individuals and institutions will not be forgotten by history as they will also be continually blessed by the Almighty God as they have gone beyond narrow interests and the call of duty in the name of the nation and its people. He concluded that at the heart of the initiative is the promotion of Nigeria to attract the much needed foreign partnerships and investments that will strengthen the private sector.
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