The Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Hail, has dismissed negative portrayals of Nigeria on social media, describing the country as beautiful and its people as welcoming.
The envoy made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja.
According to him, he arrived in Nigeria with apprehensions fuelled by reports and narratives circulating on social media, but his experience since assuming duty has proved otherwise.
“Nigeria is not what we hear and see on social media. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people. I have been to Lagos, I have seen the beaches, it is a beautiful place,” he said.
According to a statement by the media aide of the first lady, Busola Kukoyi, Al-Hail pledged to work towards strengthening relations between Qatar and Nigeria for the mutual benefit of both countries.
“I will do all I can to build bridges between the two countries to the benefit of both,” the ambassador said.
During the meeting, the envoy presented a letter from the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, to the First Lady.
Earlier, Senator Oluremi Tinubu called for greater efforts to harness Nigeria’s potential, saying the sector could become a major source of employment and revenue for the country.
She urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to explore the country’s attractions and rich cultural heritage.
“We haven’t really explored the nation optimally. Our tourism sector remains our strong point. It gives employment. Look at our food, culture,” she said, adding, “We are a friendly people.”
The First Lady also acknowledged the country’s economic challenges but expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to address them.
“President” Bol a Ahmed Tinubu is doing all he can. We are undaunted, and indeed the nation will be great again,” she said”He also appreciated the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, for her support for African countries and thanked the Qatari government for its partnership with Nigeria, particularly in the education sector.
Senator Tinubu noted that the Federal Ministry of Education had given positive feedback on ongoing collaboration aimed at tackling the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
