Government grants citizenship to 82

The president has given you visa to be full citizens of Nigeria and it is now up to you to discharge your conduct and loyalty to your new country (Nigeria )”, the Minister said

President Goodluck Jonathan has advised naturalised Nigerians to discharge their fundamental obligations and responsibilities faithfully, loyally and honestly, to enable them serve their new country better.

He said this in Abuja yesterday at the presentation of Citizenship Certificates of Naturalisation and Registration to 82 foreign nationals and expressed the hope that the beneficiaries will justify the confidence reposed in them by the government and people of Nigeria.

The president spoke through the Minister of Interior, who was represented by the Minister of State for Interior, Humprey Abbah urged them to exhibit exemplary behaviour in their conduct as Nigerian citizens.

“The president has given you visa to be full citizens of Nigeria and it is now up to you to discharge your conduct and loyalty to your new country( Nigeria )”, the Minister said.

He further said the exercise has also affirmed the status of Nigeria as a respected member of the international community, committed to international laws.

The president said in spite of differences in race, creed and colour, humanity is one and the difference between nations should be attributed more to the pursuits of national interests as against the exploitations of primordial sentiments.

He said the process of naturalisation helps in bringing countries closer and thereby reducing conflicts.

“We must therefore take advantage of occasions of this nature to contribute our quota to the achievement of world peace.”

Place in the world

Mr Abbah in his contribution said the federal government has continued to give Nigeria a new image through the execution of many projects that are intended to leave a legacy for many generations..

He said one of the objectives of the federal government is to lay a

solid foundation that will turn Nigeria into one of the 20 great economies of the world by the year 2020. “To achieve this global vision, the government is determined to encourage and attract foreign investments into the country,” he added.

Out of the 82 persons that were given certificates of citizenship, 38 are by naturalisation, 44 by Registration while 15 are past approvals communicated after last year’s ceremony .

source:234next.com