Goodluck's US Visit Boosted Nigeria's Image - US Ambassador to Nigeria


Acting President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the United States has made tremendous and positive impression about Nigeria, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Robin Sanders, has said.

Sanders made the remark while fielding questions from newsmen shortly before Jonathan left the US after completing a four-day visit.

``His participation in one of the most historic landmark events in this century, the Nuclear Security Summit that President Barrack Obama hosted with so many world leaders, was an important one.

``His role here as Nigeria’s acting president from the bilateral meetings and invitations with this global event on a very important issue is commendable.

``And he has made such a positive, tremendous impression for his vision for Nigeria over the next 12 months,’’ News Agency of Nigeria quoted her as saying.

The US Ambassador reiterated that her country maintained a strategic relationship with Nigeria, citing the recent establishment of the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission and other bilateral co-operations.Commenting on the success of the visit, the Ambassador of Nigeria to the US, Prof Ade Adefuye, said Jonathan’s interactions with several key organisations in the US has put Nigeria on ``a high pedestal’’ .

``During a meeting on Corporate Council on Africa, an American remarked that `Mr president within the last four days you have done the best to put Nigeria on a high pedestal.‘ It has justified that this visit is a mission accomplished,’’ he said.

NAN reports that aside the Nuclear Summit, Jonathan attended series of meetings in the U.S. including a session with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.

He had a breakfast session at the Council on Foreign Relations, the Centre for Global Development and had a luncheon with Vice President Joe Biden.

Jonathan also had a meeting with the World Bank President and an interaction with members of the Black Caucus at the US Capitol, among others.


===

If the well-worn axiom is true that international politics is 80% posturing and 20% substance, then I agree that GJ's visit can be the signal to the international community of investors that Nigeria is ready to play in the sandbox of development.

The visit means nothing more than that in my view. Nigerians are hungry for results!