Dr. Wiebe Boer, a businessman from Nigeria who now holds Dutch citizenship, has taken issue with Kemi Badenoch, the UK opposition leader, for her statement that she no longer identifies as Nigerian.
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He described her position as “deeply problematic” and harmful to the messages surrounding heritage and representation.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Boer shared his thoughts in a LinkedIn post on Friday, emphasizing that Nigeria is a vital part of his identity both personally and professionally, no matter where he resides or works.
Badenoch, who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents, disclosed on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth that she hasn’t renewed her Nigerian passport in over twenty years and no longer sees herself as Nigerian.
“I’m Nigerian by ancestry and birth, but I don’t really identify as such,” Badenoch stated, noting that although she is familiar with the country and has family connections there, she no longer considers it part of her identity.
In reply, Boer remarked:
“As a proud Nigerian-born and raised Dutchman, I embrace Nigeria wherever I go, from boardrooms in Amsterdam to classrooms in Michigan and hospitals in Guyana.
“Nigeria is a core part of what shapes my identity. Therefore, it was truly disappointing to hear that Kemi Badenoch has opted to distance herself from Nigeria.”
Boer pointed out that prominent global figures like Barack Obama and Rishi Sunak have never renounced their ancestral backgrounds, even when their political agendas were centered on other nations.
“I’ve never heard Obama reject Kenya or Indonesia. I’ve never heard Sunak separate himself from his Indian or East African heritage.
“In fact, embracing Nigerian identity is more relevant than ever in the UK,” he remarked, highlighting the significant contributions of Nigerians in various fields such as sports, film, music, politics, literature, religion, and business. He mentioned English footballers Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze; actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, C