The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the disdainful treatment Nigerian passport holders face in foreign countries.
This issue was highlighted by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, during a visit to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, in Calabar.
Ndace emphasized that although Nigeria is not without its challenges, the treatment meted out to Nigerians abroad is unacceptable. He attributed this poor treatment partly to the negative narratives and misinformation about Nigeria that have spread across the internet and media.
“When you travel out with a Nigerian passport, you are treated with disdain, unbefitting of your status. This unacceptable treatment is traceable to negative stories people have peddled about Nigeria,” Ndace said. “We may not be perfect, but we are not what is being portrayed. Let us partner to tell Nigeria’s story, especially in this era of social media distortions, outright lies, misinformation, and disinformation.”
Ndace stressed the importance of highlighting the positive aspects of Nigeria, noting that the country has much to offer beyond the negative news. “Our country is not all about negative news; we have great things happening here too. We should all join hands to tell the positives that we are known for,” he urged.
Voice of Nigeria, according to Ndace, has a critical role in telling Nigeria’s story and that of Africa as a whole. VON broadcasts in four Nigerian languages—Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulfulde—as well as in international languages such as English, French, Arabic, and Swahili. “Telling Nigeria’s story is something that all of us should be intentional and deliberate about. This is not a time for us to do good and be quiet. We must be unapologetic in telling Nigeria’s story confidently,” Ndace stated.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey pledged the support of the Cross River State Government in helping VON achieve its mandate. Odey indicated that the state government would collaborate with VON to publicize its activities, showcase Cross River State to the world, and cover significant events like the Carnival Calabar and other development projects of the Prince Otu-led administration.
“Henceforth, we need active participation of VON in the coverage of our flagship tourism festival, Carnival Calabar, and other lofty programmes and projects of the Prince Otu-led administration because we are investing in infrastructural development,” Odey said
