Asaba — The Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has said that rebranding the Nigerian nation is a must and fundamental to all Nigerians to change the negative perception of the foreign nations about the country.

Prof. Akunyili said yesterday at a stakeholders meeting and launch of the Delta State chapter of the rebranding Nigeria project in Asaba that over the years, it was thought by many people around the world that most Nigerians were criminals and fraudsters.

She said it went worse across the globe, in airports and other public places whenever the Nigerian passport is sighted, "we are asked to stand aside for special screening without being given the benefit of the doubt."

For the good image of the country to be sustained, the minister appealed to the media to give less prominence to criminality in the country but to promote the well being of the nation and the people.

She said the poor image the country had was foisted on it by the international community and given flesh by Nigerians themselves, stressing, "we have criminals all over the world except in heaven."

Prof. Akunyili said in a competitive world, Nigerians needed to present a comparative image to the world, so that investors could come and establish rather than painting a picture that the country was unsafe.

She noted that among the past rebranding efforts, War Against Indiscipline(WAI) was most successful because of its focus and the commitment Nigerians attached to it.

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said rebranding involved all - government, individuals and the entire society.

He called for the prosecution of those who are not sincere in criticizing Nigeria.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Oma Djeba, expressed appreciation to the minister for launching the project in Delta State.