My business gives me the opportunity to correspond and deal with people and companies from all over the world and when it comes to talk about my permanent living in Nigeria, the comments that i have receive are always negative "Nigeria !?! dangerous country with highest level of crimes and terrorism! How can you live there"? and such statements hurt my feeling and love that i have for this beautiful country.
In fact, the international media are tend to emphasize and enlarge any negative event that happens in Nigeria, thus the international perception about this country is over negative.
The same international media are not using the same approach when negative events happen in other part of the world ( in London, I personally experienced "bombs scare" almost everyday), giving the impression that there is a prejudice towards Nigeria and African Countries in general.
Regretfully, the misbehavior of few of our citizens abroad feeds and consolidates such a negative perception, damaging the majority of the Nigerians who, on the contrary, are honest, hardworking and extremely nice.
Well, Nigeria, considering its high population density, does not face more crimes than other countries such as UK, USA, South America and many others, thus such a negative perception by international community has no justification.
I think it's time for the Nigerian people to say "That's it!" and start to show all the positive things that we have in our country: environment, Climate, Business, Friendliness, LifeStyle.
Lekki Phase 1 can be one of the promoter of such a task and establish the "New Image of Nigeria".
How can we do that? First lets work and improve our community and improve the standards of our environment: roads (at least the main ones), traffic flow, buildings appearance and maintenance, Public services and security. Then develop culturally oriented venues and activities, outdoor events with high participation of the community and space for Families and children recreation.
The domestic media have to help by reporting and highlighting the positive events that happen in Lekki Phase 1, as most of the international media broadcast what has shown or written in the Nigerian media.
Finally, we need to monitor the international media communications about Nigeria and intervene when the news are not given with the necessary accuracy.
Are we all ready to commit for a "New Nigeria"? I am ready!
BY: VINCENZO ORLANDINNI
No comments:
Post a Comment