President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians living in the diaspora to actively participate in the country’s development, encouraging them not to stay away from home.
During an interactive session with selected Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs in Yokohama, Japan, on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the president emphasised that Nigeria is on a path of renewed growth.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Tinubu to share his administration’s accomplishments and assure the diaspora community that his government is focused on creating a favourable environment for all citizens.
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He described the attendees as a “vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity” and expressed his commitment to fostering stability, unity, and economic growth through a blend of visionary ideas and practical actions.
To underscore the progress being made, the president invited several officials, including Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, and the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to speak on government programs.
Wale Tinubu, the president’s nephew, provided additional insight, explaining that the government’s reforms have boosted the economy by making businesses more competitive and attracting new investments.
The president himself noted significant improvements in key areas, such as the streamlined process for issuing passports, which now benefits both residents and the diaspora.
Tinubu acknowledged that some Nigerians might choose to remain abroad for economic reasons, but he passionately argued that their skills and resources are crucial for Nigeria’s progress.
“If you stay away, who will build it?” he asked, stressing that national development is a shared responsibility between citizens at home and abroad.
He urged the diaspora community to act as positive ambassadors for Nigeria, countering negative narratives and projecting a more accurate image of the country’s potential.
He noted that the strength of a Nigerian citizen isn’t just in holding a passport, but in a “character and commitment” to the nation’s advancement.
The president assured his audience that his administration has stabilised key economic fundamentals and is implementing reforms to unlock significant opportunities for investment and job creation.
He also mentioned government efforts to curb medical tourism by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality services within the country.
The president’s message was well-received by the attendees, with many expressing satisfaction with the government’s reform efforts and pledging their support.
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Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked the president for the meeting and affirmed the commitment of his members to Nigeria’s transformation.
Also in attendance were several prominent officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; and Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu, among others, demonstrating the high-level focus on engaging the diaspora.
