FG to ambassadors-designate: Explore social media to project Nigeria

The Federal Government has charged Nigeria’s ambassadors in missions across the world to rise up to the challenge of projecting Nigeria in a positive light, warning that on no account must they allow any negative story about the country go unchallenged.
The Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, gave the charge on Monday at the induction course for nine new Ambassadors-Designate in Abuja.
Onwuliri told the newly appointed Envoys that she would not hesitate to impose relevant sanctions should any of them be found wanting in the discharge of his or her duties.
Therefore, the minister urged the Envoys to make use of information technology and the social media in projecting the country positively to their home countries.
The Minister said: “As Nigeria’s ambassadors of these days and age, you must be prepared to sharpen your public communication skills by taking full advantage of the advancement in information and communication technology.
“This requires aggressive media strategies, including engagement with the social media.
“You must not allow negative stories about your country to go unchallenged.
“I therefore urge you to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, integrity, discipline, honesty and good character in the discharge of your duty and in the running of your mission.
“Nigerians expect no less from you as they seek to reap greater dividends from the country’s diplomatic engagement.”
On Foreign Direct Investment, Onwuliri enjoined them to sustain the tempo, even as she stressed the need to take the welfare of Nigerians resident in the country they are posted as priority.
She added: “It is worthy to note that most of you are experienced and career diplomats.
“You must see your appointment as a call to duty, not an opportunity for self aggrandisement or enrichment.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ambassador Martin Uhoimoibhi, had this message for the new Envoys: “You have no business being defensive of Nigeria but you can defend, protect, project and promote Nigeria.
“You don’t apologise for Nigeria because Nigeria has committed no sin.”