2015 EDITION Vol.2 Issue 09 DIGITAL

Nigerian. Once these needs are met - and they are achievable, that
gap between the poor and the rich would be bridged and that is
what we have been trying to encourage. It is the achievement of
these laudable improvements which is part of the transformation
agenda of the current administration of President Goodluck
Jonathan, that we endeavour to encourage Italian companies and
entrepreneurs to invest in Nigeria. And we are happy that it is
succeeding.
Kata Kata: Talking about foreign investments in Nigeria,
many foreign investors see Nigeria as a hot cake in terms of
investment returns, yet most of these investors are equally afraid
of instabilities and security hazards in the country. How can
Nigeria overcome these social problems in order to encourage
more investments in the country?
Ambassador: One would like to point out first, that Nigeria
has had 15 years of uninterrupted democracy. What does that say?
That there is stability in our country and above all, the rule of law
is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Secondly, it is
true that there are security challenges, but as we speak, we are also
experiencing a greater success in the effort to contain the security
challenges of the country. When this is achieved, and we do not
see any reason why it should not be so, the investment climate
should be more attractive to investors.
Kata Kata: Presently, the Federal Government of Nigeria has
intensified its efforts towards defeating the Boko Haram group.
Why do you think it took the government so long to act decisively
against the terrorists?
Ambassador: I consider the answer to this question as
classified and would not pretend to tell the details of what I do not
know.
Kata Kata: Do you think that the government shall eradicate
Boko Haram menace? If yes, how, and if no, why not?
Ambassador: I think for every Nigerian, even including every
African, what we wish for our country and continent is peace and
we are hoping and believing that this will soon be our portion.
Kata Kata: Some people believe that Boko Haram has some
political undertone because they argue that the terrorist group was
created and sponsored by some enemies of the present Federal
government of Nigeria to distract the government, scare investors,
create instability and credibility problems for the government of
Nigeria. This group believes, Boko Haram has, however, grown too
big, wild and independently dangerous that their sponsors do not
have any more control over them. How do you react to this?
Ambassador: I have also heard and read about that position
held by some people, but I do not have the facts to support
or discredit it. If that position were true, then it would be
unfortunate, and I hope it is not.
Kata Kata: How would you access Nigeria’s position and
influence in the world today under President Jonathan Ebele
Goodluck?
Kata Kata: Based on our recent interviews with some Nigerians
who live in Italy, many of them have a very positive impression of
you and your embassy staff. Many Nigerians in Italy described you
as a down to earth, humble, approachable and organized diplomat,
who has transformed the embassy and the way it works. They
describe your staff as incredibly friendly and motivated. What is the
secret behind your huge achievement, Your Excellency?
Ambassador: The answer is simple – a tree does not make a
forest. Whatever we have achieved is the outcome of consultation,
collaboration and joint decision-making and implementation of
such decisions as a team. I appreciate the cooperation and loyalty I
have received from members of my staff.
Kata Kata: Some irresponsible Nigerians have tarnished the
image of Nigeria globally with their nefarious activities. Due to
this, many innocent Nigerians are not only victims of prejudice,
but are ingloriously mistreated in many countries. As a Nigerian
ambassador to Italy, a country where Nigerians do not always have
the best reputation, how do you try to change this (mis) conception
in Italy without giving your host country the impression you tolerate
the infamous acts of these bad Nigerians?
Ambassador: Nigeria’s position and influence in the world
under President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is not something that
can be ignored because it sticks out. You have just asked me about
Nigeria being the biggest economy in Africa – that happened
under his watch. We can also talk about Nigeria’s contribution to
world peace. We have not lagged behind. We were there in Mali,
in Darfur - Sudan, in DR Congo, and in Abyei - South Sudan.
The Technical Aid Corps Scheme sponsored by the country is
worth mentioning. The country has continued to play a leading
role in ECOWAS, the African Union, the Commonwealth and
the United Nations. It is not for nothing that Nigeria was elected
President of the United Nations Security Council for another
term.
Kata kata cartoon magazine
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Ambassador: Well, you have only shown one side of the coin.
The other side of the coin is that we have a very good number of
Nigerians who schooled and have lived in the Diaspora. In Italy,
some have been here for 30-35 years. I will just mention a few
names who ring a bell whenever they are mentioned – Dr. Kanayo
Nwanze who is the President of IFAD, Dr. Yahaya Olaniran,
Permanent Representative of Nigeria to FAO, Cardinal Francis
Arinze who is retired and residing in Rome, Amb. Fortunatus
Nwachukwu who, until he was appointed the Vatican Ambassador
to Nicaragua, was the Chief of Protocol to the Pope, a position
that is better appreciated when you take into account the array of