Washington: Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, has urged Nigerians to resist any attempt by external forces to divide them along religious and ethnic lines. Ahmed emphasized the importance of unity during the Nigeria Day celebration at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, stating, “Nigerians are one.”
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ahmed, who currently serves as the Executive Director for Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa at the World Bank, expressed her appreciation for the event organized by the Nigerian community and the Nigerian Embassy. She highlighted the significance of the gathering, especially following the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Ahmed stressed the need for Nigerians to showcase their unity and ability to resolve differences without external intervention.
Ahmed praised Nigerians both in the U.S. and globally for their hard work and achievements across various fields. She noted that Nigerians continue to make their country proud and emphasized the importance of celebrating their contributions.
Amb. Samson Itegboje, the acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the U.S., also commended Nigerian-Americans for their leadership roles in multiple sectors, including medicine, technology, and academia. He highlighted that Nigerian-Americans are the most educated immigrant group in the U.S., with a significant number holding advanced degrees.
Mr. Paul Alabi from the Political and Economic Section at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, DC, discussed ongoing efforts to navigate diplomatic challenges with the U.S. He emphasized the importance of constructive engagements through bilateral mechanisms and working groups to enhance collaborations on security challenges.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ayodele Ibrahim, a Nigerian-American community leader, reiterated the community’s commitment to unity and addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.