Project abandonment is a pastime for most Nigerian leaders. One of the few positive things that could be said about Muhammadu Buhari’s regime is that he continued many elite projects he inherited from his predecessors. These included the revival of the railway network, the continuation of some federal trunk roads, and completion of the Second Niger Bridge.

However, we want to remind him that charity begins at home. Experts believe that hunting for foreign investors while our domestic investors have not been given enough rope to prove the fertility of the Nigerian economy may end up attracting more of hustlers than the real, strategic investors we need.

It is these same conditions of corruption, misrule and leaders serving as puppets of the former colonial master, France, and otherwise independent countries becoming the battleground of world powers that torched off the “Sahel Spring”, which could grow even further.

The image of Mandela’s infectious smile is etched in the minds of those who admired him. Despite the immense challenges he faced, he always presented himself with grace and warmth. His gentle demeanor and genuine kindness were reflected in every interaction he had,  whether with world leaders or ordinary citizens.

For this and other reasons, Nigeria has a terrible image internationally. Our green passport enjoys little prestige or value. Nigerians are regularly targeted for xenophobic attacks, especially right here on the continent of Africa. Unfortunately, our foreign missions have proved incapable of responding to the needs of the Nigerian diaspora due to poor funding and governance of our diplomatic sector.