Diaspora engagement expert, Olufunke Oloye, has called on Nigerians at home and abroad to take greater responsibility for the country’s image, saying individual conduct can affect how Nigerians and holders of the Nigerian passport are perceived internationally.
Oloye, who spoke on Wednesday on Adamimogo 105.1FM Ibadan, said Nigeria needed to begin cultivating genuine patriotism and responsible citizenship from an early age, arguing that citizens who understand the importance of their country would be more conscious of how their actions affect others.
According to her, Nigerians should realise that their behaviour abroad does not affect them alone, but could also influence the experiences of other Nigerians seeking visas, travelling or doing business overseas.
She said the stringent visa processes Nigerians sometimes encounter could be linked, among other factors, to the negative perception created by the actions of some citizens.
Olufunke Oloye also identified social media as a major area of concern, warning Nigerians against indiscriminately sharing personal information, travel details and documents online.
She said the global nature of social media means that information posted by an individual can travel far beyond its intended audience and potentially shape how others perceive the person and the country they represent.
“People will judge you for what you put out there,” she said, stressing that Nigerians should think carefully before posting information online because once published, it could be difficult to control its reach or consequences.
The diaspora engagement expert urged Nigerians to exercise restraint when expressing anger or frustration about developments in the country, particularly on social media.
She said emotional reactions could have consequences beyond the immediate situation, urging citizens to pause and consider how their posts might affect themselves, their families and other Nigerians.
Oloye further advised Nigerians living abroad to understand that they are often seen as representatives of their country and should therefore conduct themselves responsibly.
She said poor conduct by one Nigerian could have implications for others, including relatives who may later seek visas or travel opportunities.
“Do not let your emotions rule you all the time,” she advised, adding that Nigerians needed to learn how to manage their emotions and think about the wider consequences of their actions.
On efforts by the government to improve Nigeria’s image internationally, Oloye said government could only do a limited amount without the cooperation of citizens.
She argued that responsibility for Nigeria’s reputation should not be placed entirely on those in positions of authority, stressing that ordinary citizens also have a role to play.
According to her, Nigerians collectively form part of the government and must therefore contribute to efforts to improve the country.
“When I apply for visas and they refuse me, it is my business,” she said, arguing that citizens ultimately bear the consequences of the country’s international image.
Oloye called for greater collective responsibility, saying Nigerians must work together to improve the country rather than expecting government alone to solve every problem.
She also urged citizens to support advocacy efforts aimed at promoting a better understanding of Nigeria and its people internationally, while recognising that changing the country’s image would require sustained effort from both government and the wider population.
