Shettima knocks Badenoch for Nigeria Comment

“She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.” The Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima however thinks that considering her exalted position as the leader of the UK Conservative Party, Ms. Badenoch shall have been more measured in her comments and not be so disrespectful to Nigeria.  Badenoch, who has Nigerian heritage, recently advocated for stricter immigration measures, citing concerns over the strain on public services and societal balance.   Speaking at the Annual Migration Dialogue in Abuja, Shettima addressed her stance, acknowledging her success while rejecting her portrayal of Nigeria.  He noted Nigeria’s global significance, emphasizing its growing population and influence.   ALSO READ: Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price As Dangote, Marketers Strike Deal Badenoch’s previous remarks about her childhood in Nigeria have also drawn attention.  She described facing corruption and hardship before migrating to the UK, where she pursued better opportunities. While her narrative highlights challenges in Nigeria, Shettima countered by defending the nation’s resilience and potential. He said: “Kemi Badenoch, is the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party. We are proud of her in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin. “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria. “One out of every three, four black men is a Nigerian and by 2050, Nigeria will support the United States, will be the third most populous nation on earth.” It must be noted however, that Ms. Badenoch is not the first highly placed Nigerian yo make such uncomplimentary remark about the country. Shettima’s principal, President Bola Tinubu is also recorded to have made a remark in the past that he did not believe in one Nigeria.

Tinubu Advocates for Stronger UK-Africa Ties During Foreign Secretary’s Visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the State House, emphasizing Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing partnerships with the United Kingdom. The discussions centered around vital areas such as trade, culture, and security, which directly affect the livelihoods of citizens. During the meeting, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support and underscored Nigeria’s role as a key partner in Africa. He urged the UK to extend its focus beyond conflicts like those in Ukraine to include pressing humanitarian issues in African nations, particularly Sudan. The President pointed out that security challenges in West Africa are exacerbated by the influx of displaced persons from neighboring countries, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, and called for greater collaboration to foster stability. Lammy, visiting Nigeria to explore avenues for strengthening ties, highlighted the UK government’s interest in economic growth across the continent and the necessity for innovative partnerships to address emerging challenges. He acknowledged the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the UK, noting that shared historical values within the Commonwealth continue to bind the nations together. The discussions also covered Nigeria’s progressive economic reforms aimed at long-term growth, with Lammy acknowledging the importance of Nigeria’s economic stability to bolster investor confidence. Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that agreements signed during the visit focus on job creation, enhanced security, and migration management, all aimed at modernizing the partnership between the two nations.