He said that the number of years he had spent in Nigeria, business opportunities and the hospitable nature of Nigerians, made him to apply to become a Nigerian.
“I have traversed the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, I can say I know Nigeria better than my life, installing industrial floors,“ he said.
A Briton, Mr Jack Osankare, who has lived in Nigeria for about two decades, said he decided seek for Nigerian citizenship about 10 years ago, to enable him settle down as a Nigerian and go about his business seamlessly.
He expressed delight now that his dream has come through.
“Nigeria is a country I so much love and would want to retire here. I love Nigerians because they are respectful, hospitable and treat foreigners like their brothers and sisters,” he said.
Another recipient, Mrs Darakhshan Khalid, a Pakistani, said she had been living in Nigeria over a decade ago shortly after getting married her Pakistani husband.
She also said that she had been struggling to become a citizen of Nigeria over the years, but to no avail until now.
“I like everything about the country, its citizens, the environment generally. Nigerians are very accommodating and hospitable and I have always seen Nigeria as my second home,” Khalid said.
They all pledged to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.
In his speech, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said it was a good decision for them to have chosen to become citizens of Nigeria.
“I am proud to be part of you this afternoon having decided to take up the citizenship of our great nation, Nigeria, in spite of the challenges the country is passing through.
“I assure you that you will not regret your decision and Nigeria will continue to treat you as one of us, irrespective of the status of the citizenship,“ he said.
The minister urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of the country.
“I pray that the almighty God will continue to bless you all in integration as you have now become part of us,“Aregbesola said.
Also, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said those conferred Nigerian citizenship had proved themselves and contributed immensely to the economic development of the country.
“I therefore, encourage you to continue in that direction by adding value to the economic development of the country.
“Know doubt you have the capacity, you are recognised and encouraged to continue to do more for your country, Nigeria.
“I congratulate you all and will continue to encourage you to be the best you have always been.
“We are all citizens now and it is our hope that as soon as the ministry got approval from the Federal Government, we will attend to another set.
“We thank you all for the determination to join us as Nigerians in this trying time, when sometimes we are even receiving requests from foreigners to renounce their citizenship,“ Belgore said.
