In a bid to foster bilateral relations between Nigeria and Qatar, the Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan is planning a visit to Qatar within the first quarter of next year, it has been learnt. “We have come to know about the president’s plan to come to Qatar next year. Many countries have now realised that Nigeria is becoming a force to be reckoned with, especially with the role it has been playing in terms of conflict mediation and political intervention in major world events,” Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Qatar chapter (NIDO-Qatar) president Olu J Millar said yesterday. He was speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the first Nigerians in Diaspora general meeting held at the Swiss-Bell Hotel. “With Qatar gaining more recognition due to its wealth and political status, and the country hosting the next World Petroleum Congress , a lot of attention has been drawn to this country from countries such as Nigeria, which is now more than willing to work and co-operate on a bilateral level with the government here,” he said. During the general meeting, issues of concerns to NIDO-Qatar members such as consular services, visa issuance, passport renewal, police clearance certificate and increasing number of unemployed Nigerians in Qatar were discussed. However, Millar urged community members to be law abiding while recognising that Qatar was a very receptive country to foreigners. “Nigerians should know that Qatar is a country in which they can thrive, but all they need to do is to be of good nature and always promote Nigeria’s image in a positive light wherever they are in this country,” he said.He also wanted newcomers to always seek advice from long time residents for guidance, especially those seeking employment. “Anybody seeking the help of the association or any member should also ensure that he/she has a very good visa status in addition to good qualification with which they can be assisted,” he added. Millar also asked members to desist from taking up jobs that they are not capable of doing or that which will tarnish the image of the community. On the other hand, the official asked long time residents to always be willing to assist newcomers by extending a helping hand at all times. On the consular problems being faced by many in the community, he pleaded with members to bear with the association saying efforts were being made to expedite action. “We want members to bear with us because presently, we do not have a sitting ambassador overseeing our affairs here, as ambassador Yuguda, who was concurrently appointed for us by the federal government, was no longer there, having taken up a bigger role back home as a minister of state for works,” Millar explained. However, he charged new members to register and endeavour to attend community functions for them to have a sense of belonging and for collective benefits. Millar added that job applicants should feel free to upload their curriculum vitae onto the general e-mail of the association adding that efforts are being made to assist them in that regard. Gulf Times

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