Vice President, Namadi Sambo, at a special community event to mark Nigeria’s 50th anniversary by Nigerians residents in the United Kingdom (UK), which took place at the Alexandra Palace Hotel, Wood Green, London, UK, in response to appeals by Nigerians at the reception organized by the Nigerian High Commission, also said the government would ensure that future amendments of the constitution, before the 2015 election would address the legitimate intentions of Nigerians in the Diaspora to vote.
He told the audience that one of the immediate priorities of government was the issue of power supply which was critical to the transformation of the country. “Under the road map of power sector reform, government intends to increase electricity generation to 10,000MW by the end of 2011 and 30,000MW by 2020,” he said.
Responding to persistent appeals by Nigerians who attended the event, that the Federal Government should make it possible for Nigerians in the Diaspora to vote during the coming elections, the vice president said: “While the vast majority of Nigerians in the Diaspora will not be able to vote at the next general elections except those who can register in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the constitution, we shall ensure that future amendments to the constitution and before the 2015 election will address this legitimate aspiration of our people resident abroad to vote.”
Sambo commended the contribution of the Nigerians in the UK, adding that at present, “is reflected in the volumes of remittances, investments and injection of critical skills and expertise into the Nigerian economy over the years” also encouraging them to “let the change Nigeria needs start with you, by being good representatives of Nigeria.
“Aside from oil and gas resources, the greatest asset that Nigeria has is its abundant human capital, vast majority of whom are the youths and women as exemplified in this hall. Let the change start with you, by seeking to be the best in what you do, by being good and great ambassadors of Nigeria in the ways you conduct yourselves, in your relationship with fellow Nigerians and your host communities. The virtues of discipline, selfless service and personal integrity should be your watch words.”
Earlier in his remarks Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, expressed the appreciation of the entire Nigerian community in the UK. He informed the vice president of the Legacy Project (building of a Nigeria’s Cultural Centre), soliciting possible support from the Federal Government.
During the event, outstanding Nigerians in the UK were also recognized and given awards.
The awardees include; Alistair Soyode, Dr. Mark Abani, Dr. Lola Obe, Mr. C. Osita, Dr. Yinusa Baba and Mr. Peter. Highlights of the event also featured presentation of speeches by Dr. Mark Abani, president of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK); Mr. Alistair Soyode, president Nigerians in Diaspora in Europe (NIDOE); Mrs. Gladys Olowu, chairman Council of Elders.
Notable dignitaries present at the event included the wife of the vice president, Mrs. Amina Namadi Sambo, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Baroness Linda Chalker, coordinator of the Honorary International Investor’s Council (HIIC) and Nigeria’s minister of State for Foreign Affairs, amongst others.
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