Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Amb. (Mrs.) Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, has assured Nigerians in South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho that their concerns, safety and welfare remain a priority, as the country marked 66 years of independence.
In a goodwill message issued on Thursday, she said the Consulate General was “fully conscious” of the urgent concerns over passport services and the difficulties many Nigerians face because of xenophobic and afrophobic attacks and threats.
“We are not sleeping over this matter,” she said, adding that the Consulate continues to demand attention to these concerns and that efforts are ongoing to push for urgent practical interventions.
Frustration acknowledgedOkey-Uche said she understood the frustration, inconvenience and uncertainty many citizens are experiencing, noting that behind every passport or safety concern is a Nigerian with a family, business, profession or journey.
“The Federal Government hears you. Your Diplomatic Missions hear you,” she said, adding that there is genuine concern about the difficulties facing Nigerians abroad. She urged citizens to remain hopeful and constructive, saying the present challenges “will pass.”
Tribute to Tinubu’s leadershipThe Consul General acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government continues to pursue reforms to strengthen the economy, expand opportunities and lay foundations for a more resilient and prosperous nation. She expressed hope that these efforts would translate into greater relief and improved quality of life for citizens.
She described independence as more than a date on the calendar, but a reminder of the nation’s collective identity, shared heritage and responsibility to future generations. Despite its challenges, she said, Nigeria remains a country of immense promise, abundant natural resources and remarkable resilience.
Call for good conduct abroadOkey-Uche reminded Nigerians living abroad that they are representatives of their country and urged them to conduct themselves with dignity, confidence and respect. She said they should respect and uphold the laws of South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho and remain good ambassadors of Nigeria.
She also called on Nigerians to choose hope over despair, unity over division, responsibility over recklessness and patriotism over cynicism, and to support one another and protect their dignity.”Our national story is still being written. Nigeria is rising,” she said.
The Consul General extended her warmest greetings to Nigerians in the three countries and beyond, wishing the nation continued peace, unity, stability and prosperity under the theme “Nigeria @66: Our Journey Continues. Our Hope Endures. Our Future Awaits.”
