Vice President Kashim Shettima has responded to comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, about Nigeria, describing her remarks as disparaging and unreflective of the nation’s global significance.
Speaking during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja on Monday, Shettima highlighted the importance of migrants and defended Nigeria’s reputation as a leading nation in Africa.
“We are proud of her in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin,” Shettima said. “She is entitled to her own opinions; she even has every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”
Shettima further underscored Nigeria’s demographic and cultural importance, saying, “One out of every three, four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth.”
Badenoch, 44, who was born to Nigerian parents, has faced criticism in the past for her remarks about her experiences growing up in Nigeria.
During her campaign for leadership, she cited issues such as poverty, corruption, and failed governance, stating, “I grew up in Nigeria and I saw firsthand when politicians are in it for themselves. When they use private money as their piggybanks, when they promise the earth and they pollute not just the earth, but the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others.”
Badenoch added, “I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.”
