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Nigerian High Commissioner speaks, says killing is not a Nigerian character

Feb 1, 2010, 1:33 PM | Article By: Yusuf Ceesay

Nigeria's High Commissioner to The Gambia, Mrs. Esther John Audu, has stressed that killing one self and others is not an attribute of Nigerians.

"It's our duty to challenge the whole world that killing oneself is not our character as Nigerians," she emphasised.

High Commissioner Audo made this remark over the weekend while speaking at the Jerma Beach Hotel during the election and inauguration of the Nigerian Community in The Gambia.

The chief Nigerian diplomat used the occasion to challenge the Nigerian Community in the country to be always involved in genuine business ventures, which should be the trademark of their dealings in the country, as well as to work hard to contribute to its development.

She also encouraged her countrymen to teach their young ones the right societal values.

Mrs. Audu also called on members of the Nigerian community to remain united, and to support their new leaders. She ended her speech with a quote: "A tree cannot make a forest."

In his farewell address, the outgoing President of the Nigerian Community in The Gambia, Chief Mike Nwanna, maintained that after the ceremony he would be going to his home and living as an ordinary Nigerian in the Gambia.

The election, he said, was a clear manifestation of community's democratic process. He thanked the members of the outgoing executive for their collaboration and support to him during the past six years.

He admonished the new executive to fight against any form of crime in the society they live in.

He also advised the Nigerians to integrate into the Gambian society. 

For his part, the President -elect Chief Sir Paul Odimegwa, thanked the entire Nigerian community for the trust they have in him, and pledged to promote their welfare.

He also outlined his future plans for the community.

The occasion was graced by the presence of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Elizabeth Renner. She hailed the Nigerians for their immense contribution to the Gambia's development.