Vice President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that suicide bombing for which the country’s image has been smeared abroad by Farouk Abdulmutallab was completely alien to the Nigerian culture and certainly not one of the nation’s social problems.
Jonathan made the remark in Abuja when he received the winner of the Big Brother Africa show, Mr. Kevin Chuwang Pam, and members of his publicity campaign team who paid him a courtesy visit,saying that the terrorist act would disappear the way it came.
He advocated improved guidance and support for Nigerian youths, particularly those in the creative arts and sports towards excelling in their professional endeavors and boosting national image in the process.
“Yes, we have our social problems but certainly not suicide bombing. This is completely alien to Nigeria. It is a new dimension that will certainly phase out,” he stated.
Expressing belief in the ability of young people to bring about positive change in the society, the vice president said encouragement should be given to youths who are willing to utilize their talents positively as one way of fast-tracking the national rebranding campaign.
He recalled that after the heroic soccer victory of the Nigerian U-23 Dream Team at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, the country earned international recognition as foreigners worldwide were eager to identify with Nigerians.
He equally noted that the South African Deputy President, Mr. Kgalema Mothlante, who visited Nigeria not long ago remarked that some of Nigeria ’s greatest ambassadors were its actors and actresses.
“I believe in the ability of young people as agents of change in a society. If the vision of our youths is positive, then Nigeria has hope for a bright future. Therefore the preparation and encouragement we give to the younger generation matter a lot,” he further stated.
Vice President Jonathan commended Kevin for making Nigeria proud, saying “we are proud of you for promoting Nigeria positively and noted that if Kevin’s innate attributes hadn’t been positive and good, the watching African society would not have voted him as the winner.
Pledging moral support for Kevin in rallying society to identify with his (Kevin) project and endeavours, he acknowledged the modification of the last edition of the Big Brother Africa show in line with African moral values, adding “I was briefed that this last edition improved significantly in terms of morality. As Africans, we have a high regard for morality and cannot drop our true identity.”
Earlier in his remarks, Kevin had thanked the Vice President for receiving him and his team, describing the him as a father and leader who is ever willing to support youths that have showcased their talents to promote Nigeria ’s image internationally.
He said he saw the BBA as a canvass for painting an appealing character that could be used to affect others positively, pointing out that that rebranding should not be left for government alone.
He presented the Vice President with a blueprint of his social campaign which is geared towards combating social vices and restructuring the mentality of young people in a positive direction.
Friday, January 8, 2010
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