President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to drive Nigeria’s transformation through technology, food security, and global partnerships, calling on Nigerians in the diaspora to play an active role in national development.
This was contained in a statement Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga issued on Wednesday.
According to him, Tinubu spoke in Brazil on Tuesday during an interactive session with the Nigerian community, assuring them that his government is determined to reposition the country on a path of inclusive growth and prosperity, drawing lessons from Brazil’s economic progress.
“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today—its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. Now, we must act,” Tinubu declared.
He described Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms as “bitter medicine” necessary to stabilize the economy.
“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he told the gathering.
The President praised Nigerians in Brazil for their resilience and contributions, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in shaping a new Nigeria.
“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity and commitment reflect the Nigeria we are building,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s diplomatic engagements, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria is laying the groundwork for global partnerships that will boost manufacturing, innovation, and cultural exchange.
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He also voiced support for an upcoming cultural voyage by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, saying, “If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now.”
Responding to requests for more consulates in Brazil, Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government is carefully managing scarce resources to strengthen existing foreign missions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, commended Tinubu for deepening bilateral ties, noting that Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil had risen from just three to 296 within 18 months, mostly on scholarships.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as a historic moment that rekindles centuries-old cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani lauded Tinubu’s economic reforms, citing the clearance of a $7 billion forex backlog and the elimination of multiple exchange rates as policies restoring investor confidence.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, encouraged Nigerians in São Paulo and nearby cities to continue using the existing liaison office until upgrades are effected.
The event, anchored by NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri, was attended by top officials including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.