His Excellency: You are welcome.

Claret: How long have you been in Malaysia?

Claret: How have you adjusted to the Malaysia environment and the people?

His Excellency: Pretty well. Malaysians are friendly and innovative.

Claret: His Excellency- what is your mission and vision as the new Ambassador of Nigeria to Malaysia?

His Excellency: It is to maintain cordial relationship with Nigerians in Malaysia, to protect the interest of all Nigerians living in Malaysia, ensure that foreign and direct investors can invest in Nigeria and encourage Malaysians to invest in Nigeria for its lucrative projects and many opportunities

Claret: How far have you gone to actualize this vision and mission?

His Excellency: I am working very hard to make this a reality but at this stage we are still nurturing the project. I am exposing the Malaysian investors and others to the opportunities in Nigeria and reassuring them of the safety of their investment there, making them realize that “fraud in Nigeria is just an aberration” perpetuated by some greedy elements and that people involved in such acts are not free from the arms of justice. The government is employing everything within its power to curb this menace. That is why for the last six months I have been speaking and meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, directors of corporation, ministries, private sectors, chairman of organizations, the National chambers of Commerce, other chambers of commerce, government companies, protons and a lot more. I am doing so well to educate them on our mission, vision, opportunities and how the democratic process in our country is favors investment and social cultural integration in economic context.

Claret: Apart from talking about Nigeria, what do you think about Africa as a continent? What is the major problem facing her and what do you think is the best way to solve the problem?

His Excellency: Africa as a continent is improving economically, politically and otherwise. They are embracing globalization, technology and economic and political stability. The problem of Africa is underdevelopment. To solve that “we have to be the "architect" of our own fortune”. It is interesting to note that “Africa union (AOU). the vehicle of rapid development in Africa, is educating African nations on the need to look inside. To look within their neighbours in Africa and themselves to exploit their resources judiciously, effectively and efficiently to improve their standard of living, to promote growth and development. Seeking aid from international organizations, USA and so forth is not the solution to problems. It is high time few other African countries look “within” to determine what they want and reduce reliance on aid from foreign countries.

Claret: Does that mean we do not need aid from foreign countries?

His Excellency: The point I am stressing is that unlike before African countries now determine what they want and the assistance they require. They have reduced their reliance on foreign countries. They need to help themselves in time of need and by working together in unity, progress and honesty, the bigger countries can assist the poorer ones

Claret: Looking at Africa and development, do you think there would be any sporadic progress knowing that they are owing a lot of money?

"We are the Architects of our own Fortune"

His Excellency: Rome was not built in a day. We know we are in a hurry but still we do not have to “reinvent the wheel”. If we can not finish a project, then we can borrow but it is best to fully utilize the resources at our disposal before going out to ask for aid..... we should always remember that when money is borrowed, provisions have to be made to pay back. Continue Next Page

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This site was last updated 17/04/2006