Nigeria: Citizens in Diaspora Seek U.S. Investment in Country
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Daily Champion (Lagos)
30 September 2008
Posted to the web 30 September 2008
Erasmus Alaneme
Abuja
As Muslim faithful in Nigeria join their counterparts in other parts of the world to celebrate the end of fasting period (Ramadan), Nigerians in Diaspora have called for unity among all religious faithful in the country for the good of everyone.
The group also urged the government of the United States of America (USA) to invest part of the proposed $700billion aimed at bailing out the US economy in the agriculture sector of Nigeria through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) export.
Congratulating President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'adu Abubakar III, all the Muslim leaders and Muslim faithful on the occasion of Ramadan the group noted the stand of Sultan Abubakar and His Grace John O. Onaiyekan, catholic Bishop of Abuja at the Zumunta convention in the USA reinforce Nigerians are one.
Leader of the group, Chief (Mrs.) Temitope Ajayi popularly known as 'Mama Diaspora' in a statement made available to Daily Champion said that the Sultan of Sokoto had "wondered why Muslims and Christians resort to violence when they all pray to one God" adding that "we must understand and tolerate each other to uphold our religious beliefs and teachings."
She further noted that the Sultan had at the time urged leaders to create conducive environment for the growth and development of Nigerians, stating that unless these problems are addressed, they would continue to and impede the "growth, development and the progress of the country."
Mrs. Ajayi lamented that the Sultan even called on politicians and religious leaders to put aside their personal interests by promoting the general interest of their religion and society for the collective good of the nation, rather than for their selfish interest.
"It is sad, that in spite of the abundance of resources in our country, our people still go about hungry because of poverty and neglect," she added.
While praying for the good of the country and the health of President Yar'Adua, Chief Ajayi promised that Nigerians in Diaspora will work together as one for the sake of the unity and the betterment of Nigeria.
Speaking on the global economic crunch especially as it affects the United States (US), Chief Ajayi said for Nigeria to escape the likely negative effect, all bickerings must stop.
She called for unity to help each other and for mechanized agriculture, the empowerment of the farmers, women and youth.
"The global economic crisis and struggles began in New York - and is slowing spreading throughout the world. The real bail out is to use some of the $700 billion and invest in agriculture mainly in Nigeria through AGOA export and/or around the world for sustainable use of corn, cassava, rice, wheat, soya beans and etc. Nigeria is ready for investors. For example, Western Union made their highest profit from Nigerians.
"I pray that Nigeria is ready to lead the world again - in the production of alternate energy, if we continue to join hands together, especially because we are blessed with massive farmland for the renewable energy, wind energy, solar, ethanol and bio diesel for the whole world," she added.
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She also called on the Nigerian legislators and the executive to work hard towards approving the "Diaspora Voting Rights" in Nigeria to give them the opportunity to participate in elections.
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