Stop disparaging Nigeria – Remi Tinubu tells citizens

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to stop running down the country’s image, insisting that the world now regards Nigeria as a nation of opportunity and growing global interest.

Mrs. Tinubu, who was in Gombe to commission the newly established Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Kumo, stated this during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Akko. She said the era when Nigeria was branded the “most corrupt country” was over.

She argued that international perception of the country was shifting positively and that Nigerians must embrace national pride.”Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that. Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination.”

She praised Gombe’s natural scenery, describing it as comparable to the English countryside. She stressed that Nigeria’s unique beauty, combined with its vast human potential, should make citizens more confident about the country’s future.

“We have to be proud. Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in the London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe and in other states too.”

Mrs. Tinubu linked her call for national pride to the administration’s ongoing programmes in security, education and grassroots development, noting that traditional and religious leaders have vital roles to play in shaping citizens’ attitudes.

She further explained that her work as First Lady is driven by a desire to leave Nigeria better after her husband’s tenure. She said: “I’m 65 years old now, I pray I live long. But, I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, I can also walk around safely. That is what drives me.”