Dr. Wiebe Boer, a Nigerian-born Dutch entrepreneur, has criticised UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch for publicly disassociating herself from Nigeria, calling her comments “deeply problematic.”
Boer, who was raised in Nigeria but holds Dutch citizenship, responded in a strongly-worded post on LinkedIn, asserting that Nigeria remains central to his identity regardless of his nationality or where he lives.
His remarks follow Badenoch’s statement on The Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth podcast, where she revealed she had not renewed her Nigerian passport in over 20 years and no longer identifies as Nigerian. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Badenoch said.
“I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there because of my parents, but by identity I’m not really. I know the country well, I have family there, and I’m very interested in what happens, but I don’t identify as Nigerian.”
Boer countered that national identity and heritage are not mutually exclusive. He pointed to world leaders such as Barack Obama and Rishi Sunak, who have embraced their heritage while serving in roles far removed from their ancestral countries.
“I’ve never heard Obama disavow Kenya or Indonesia, even while running for U.S. president. Nor have I heard Sunak disown his Indian or East African roots,” Boer wrote.
Highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence in the UK, Boer referenced prominent British figures of Nigerian descent, including footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cynthia Erivo, boxer Anthony Joshua, and author Ben Okri.
“From sports and film to politics and business, Nigerian identity is everywhere. It’s not just heritage it’s influence, excellence, and pride,” he said.
Boer also listed Nigeria-linked companies contributing to the UK economy, including Helios Investment Partners, IHS Towers, Seplat Energy, and GTBank.
“These companies aren’t just symbols, they generate jobs, capital, and innovation in the UK.”
Boer concluded by stressing that criticism of a country should not equate to rejection.
“You can critique a country without renouncing it. That’s what real leadership and representation require. I’ll always claim Nigeria—because it continues to shape some of the world’s best stories and people,” he said.
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