President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to contribute their expertise and resources to national development, stressing that building a stronger and prosperous Nigeria requires collective effort.
Naija News reports that Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive session with Nigerians in the diaspora on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the meeting brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various fields, with the President sharing his administration’s achievements and reform agenda.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu described the diaspora community as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity and urged them to remain patriotic and supportive of government efforts.
“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual. But for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.
He reiterated that leadership is about “thinking and doing,” blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth.
Reforms And Progress Highlighted
The President pointed out improvements in passport issuance, assuring the diaspora that the process has become seamless for Nigerians at home and abroad.
He further stressed that his administration has stabilised key economic fundamentals and is implementing reforms to unlock opportunities for investment and job creation.
Tinubu also noted efforts to reverse medical tourism by upgrading healthcare facilities and expanding access to quality services within the country.
Diaspora Community Reacts
Naija News reports that several Nigerians in Japan praised the pace of reforms, pledging to support the government’s transformation drive.
President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Ebogota, thanked Tinubu for meeting with them and assured him of their continued support.
Other attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese national award winner for electrotechnical standardisation, as well as investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, and students.
Also present were top government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Speaking at the event, the President’s nephew, Wale Tinubu, also addressed the gathering, explaining how the reforms had impacted the economy positively by making businesses more competitive, attracting investment, and expanding the stock market.
Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians abroad to be good ambassadors of the country, adding: “The strength of citizenship is not only in holding a Nigerian passport but in character and commitment to the nation’s progress.”
Meanwhile, the President departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night for the ultra-long-haul flight to Brazil, where he will begin a state visit on August 24.
This was disclosed in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to him, the President will have a stopover in Los Angeles before continuing his journey to Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.
Naija News reports that President Tinubu began his two-nation visit on Friday, August 15, when he departed Abuja.
He and his entourage stopped over in Dubai, UAE, and arrived in Yokohama early in the morning on August 18.
After attending the opening ceremony and plenary of the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development( TICAD9) on August 20, President Tinubu held some bilateral meetings, culminating in the interactive session with diaspora Nigerians on Thursday night.
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