Nigeria Centenary
TGIC!! “Your passport Sir?” 2 hours latter you are still at the airport, seated for a thorough interview by an immigration officer. “Why?” You asked, “because of your passport Sir, we have firmer rules for bearers of this kind of passport” replied the officer. Meanwhile, your luggage has been intensively searched & screened, you’ve undergone 2 different body machine screening, sa...mples of your urine and blood has been taken for test, you’ve done security, immigration & customs check, drug & medical test, finger prints etc. You are now waiting to know if you’ll be allowed into the country or not. You are so tired after a 13 hour flight, what you need is a good reception, hot shower & rest. Your fellow passengers must be with their families or friends you thought. “But I have a genuine visa!” you hissed, “Is it a crime to be a Nigerian?” You asked. I must do something to change this image you thought. The question now is, what will you do to change the image of Nigeria abroad and how? Remember the winner gets a 'Branded Centenary Award' that will go down in history and an option of a laptop or an ipad.

Participants MUST ‘Like’ the page to play. All answers MUST come in before midnight tomorrow (Saturday) for voting to begin.

To Change the Image of this Country,I must change Myself.How do I percieve Nigeria and Nigerians?I will have to engage in the following;

1)I will hold on to the positive things this country represents; because people are hardly moved by your Vision,neither do they react positively to the situations around you.Hence forth,I will positively support things that concerns Nigeria. Positive things about Nigeria will fill my thoughts.

2)In order to change one's mindset, there is a need to erase old mindset and infuse new thoughts.Therefore I will do a research on my country and duel on facts and Figures of pleasant events and policies adopted by the Federal Government and I will spread the good to my friends abroad.

3)I will engage Nigerians and Non-Nigerians abroad on the changes they would like to see in Nigeria and see how I can start a Social Enterprise(Example of Such is Infinity Foundation)in Nigeria; this is a project that has been helping Orphans from 25orphanages in ten states for the past five years). I will create a project that will provoke positive conversation on how we as individuals can create value. By teaching others;it will enlighten us to a better Nigeria. Moreover, this requires collective effort and not from Government alone.

4)I will start to wear Nigerian Emblem. "Stritly Nigerian" and "Proudly Nigerian".I will always Promote Nigerian Culture abroad,I'll Speak Nigeria languages,Dress the Nigerian way,Smell Nigerian,Walk Nigerian,and relate with Nigerians!This will be until Nigeria becomes a positive and highly sought after brand.I would love to give any foreign Immigration Officer a Nigeria Flag or Nigeria Map Lapel and Ankara as a gift.This will be after he has cleared me so he wouldnt accuse me of bribery.My goal here is to show him how hospitable Nigerians are even in hostile situations.

5)I will also Encourage my Foreign Friends to wear some of our fabrics and adopt our Rich Culture.This will leave lasting effect in the minds of these foreigners as regards Nigeria.

6)I will equally arrange holidays and tour centres during festive seasons for my foreign friends.Like a Friend of mine on Facebook; who is an American, she wanted to come to Nigeria for holidays.I had to tell her about some tourists' Destinations like: Obudu Cattle Ranch,Tinapa,Olumo Rock,Osun Oshogbo Festivals,Agungun Fish Festival and other wonderful places in Nigeria.I will ensure I record such places and show pictures as well.I will showcase these events on social media and equally encourage them to share with their friends.That way,their friends will see real and beautiful images in Nigeria. More so,the negative report on Nigeria will reduce to a reasonable essence! Then I will die a natural death.

7)Lastly,I will work on my character and Integrity,my aim is to get the attention of foreign bodies. This is the greatest weapon I will use.Your personal lifestyle is the best Gospel!If I will preach about the good in Nigeria;I must act right myself ,I'm a living proof. So I will ensure I relate with Nigerians and Foreigners alike with integrity and Professionalism; such that they will be forced to say;"You are Different".

In Conclusion, changing the image of this nation begins with you and let that Change begin NOW!I love this nation!If I come to this world again,I will still love to come as a Nigerian!Challenges abound but opportunities are greater.God bless you and God bless Nigeria!

Stephen Akintayo
President Infinity Foundation.
Speaker|Author| Coach|Entrepreneur
|Marketing&Social Media Consultant|
@stephenakintayo BB:2283dc8f.
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