FG awards citizenship on 385 foreigners from US, UK, others
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Federal Government has awarded citizenship on 385 foreign nationals from United State of America, United Kingdom as well as other countries.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo said that Nigeria’s cultural diversity, hard work, innovation and infectious optimism of its people are some of the attributes that make it a great country, even as its welcomes all classes of people from all over the world.
The Vice President said this while representing the President at the 1st 2023 Award of Nigerian Citizenship by Registration and Naturalization to 385 Foreign Nationals, which held at the Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters, in Abuja.
Among the 385 recipients of the 2023 Nigerian Citizenship are British national, Prof. David Jowitt and several Americans including Mrs Janice Opkanachi, all of whom have made their marks in different spheres of the Nigerian society, impacting many lives.
Prof. Osinbajo stated that Nigeria’s greatness can be partly attributed to its diversity.
“Nigeria is a nation brimming with cultural diversity. We have a rich history of immigration from all over, Africa and beyond. The greatness of our nation can be partly attributed to this. Numerous contributions have been made by immigrants to the Nigerian society throughout our history.
“A lot of our current traditions, music, food and art have been richly influenced by people and cultures beyond our borders. We are diverse but we remain bound and united by a shared history, undergirded by constitutional guarantees of liberty and equality. We celebrate our diversities believing from knowledge, history and experience that we are strengthened by these differences.”
According to him, it was a thing of joy and pride when foreigners settle in the country, feel at home, and thrive.
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“When these foreigners feel so connected to the land that they choose to become one of us, it is indeed an honour,” he further noted, adding that “I welcome you all into the Nigerian family with great pride. Irrespective of your country of descent or origin or your mother tongue, Nigeria is now your country, our history and traditions are now yours.”
He urged the newest citizens of the country to go beyond your pledge of loyalty to the flag, our laws, as well as the high ideals of the anthem and national pledge to do what you have pledged in your daily lives and in all situations.
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