Recent developments within the Nigerian diaspora in South Africa have prompted me to address the issue of demarketing Nigeria and its harmful consequences. In a recent interview with BBC Igbo, Pastor Frank Onyekwelu, who leads the Nigeria Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), criticized the Nigerian government for its apparent disregard for its citizens’ welfare in South Africa. The religious leader was specifically addressing the tragic incident involving the unfortunate death of a Nigerian national, Chukwunta Friday Julius.
While Pastor Frank neglected and failed to propose how Nigeria’s government could safeguard its citizens residing in South Africa, it’s important to update the religious leader about recent progress on his legitimate concerns. Less than two weeks back, during their 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting in Cape Town, Nigeria and South Africa reached an agreement to complete and execute a five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding on Early Warning Mechanisms by March 2025.
This means that the Nigerian and South African authorities will establish frameworks to work together and exchange intelligence while developing strategies to prevent and address violent events that endanger their nationals living in or travelling to Nigeria or South Africa. The religious leader must understand the specifics of the Nigeria-South Africa Early Warning Systems and communicate this knowledge to his followers to address the risks of persistent misinformation leading to inaccurate data circulation.
Concerning our fellow countryman Chukwunta, whose life unfortunately ended in tragedy. Examining the swift action taken by all stakeholders involved in seeking justice for Chukwunta Julius, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa, and Nigerian citizens living in South Africa, there are many positive developments to acknowledge as significant steps have been taken toward securing justice for the deceased and providing closure to the affected families.
For more clarity, the SAPS demonstrated immediate action by apprehending nearly all individuals connected to Chukwunta’s brutal murder. Legal professionals from the Nigerian community offered their expertise and support pro bono as Watch Brief during the court proceeding. Upon receiving the initial report from the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) legal department, top Nigerian diplomatic representatives immediately engaged with the case and maintained their involvement throughout. Their engagement has been consistent, and they have not been silent with their actions, contrary to the pastor’s interview statements about the government of Nigeria being silent. It remains crucial that we uphold truthfulness at all times. These collective efforts strengthen the pursuit of justice for Chukwunta Julius Friday, and for this, the Nigerian community in South Africa is grateful. When we focus solely on negative aspects, we become blind to any positive developments.
Criticizing without taking action is a form of self-defeat. When given an opportunity to speak about our nation, focusing on negativity is counterproductive; rather, we should offer solutions and helpful insights. Participating in Nigeria’s negative publicity doesn’t just damage the country’s reputation; it ultimately affects you personally. When we propagate unfavourable stories about our homeland, we unconsciously damage our own standing and reduce our potential prospects.
As citizens, our individual reputation is deeply connected to our country’s perception. When we reinforce unfavourable impressions, we create obstacles for ourselves and fellow nationals seeking recognition globally, whether in professional endeavours, educational pursuits, or community engagement. Additionally, demarketing Nigeria can have tangible economic consequences. It reduces international capital flows and visitor numbers into Nigeria, potentially restricting employment prospects and financial development that could enhance your circumstances directly or indirectly. Meanwhile, relentless negativity without proactive solutions breeds hopelessness and apathy. This perspective can even diminish personal motivation, restraining your capacity to achieve success and participate in meaningful transformation.
Instead of demarketing Nigeria, we must engage in productive feedback and meaningful involvement in our nation’s growth. By showcasing our achievements while recognizing where we need to develop, we establish a realistic perspective that can draw investments and encourage advancement. Remember, as a Nigerian, you are an ambassador of your country. Your personal achievements and the country’s progress are deeply connected. When you help build a more accurate and optimistic view of Nigeria, you’re securing not only the nation’s future but also your own and your children’s prosperity.
