President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, aligning with the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.
President Tinubu made the pledge during a meeting with some Nigerians resident in Brazil.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny.
The President described his visit to Brazil as a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties.
The he noted is also to draw inspiration from the impressive development trajectory of the South American country.
He noted that both nations once shared similar economic starting points. “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, the youth and everything we need. Now, we must act,” the President declared.
Building new Nigeria together
The President commended the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community.
He described them as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.
“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build.”
He acknowledged the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms.
The President insisted that they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.
“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,”
Referencing his recent diplomatic shuttles, the President said his government is laying the groundwork for global partnerships that can unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.
President Tinubu also voiced support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State governor.
“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,” Tinubu affirmed.
Call for unity
He appealed passionately for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody can truly be proud to call home.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, commended the president for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
He pledged the diaspora’s active support for national development, emphasizing their role as a development partner.
“Through the diaspora, we would like to be a channel to this national development.
“In that regard, we have started, we actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home.
“Your Excellency, sir, human resources in terms of education is what we strongly need to be able to prepare the younger ones for tomorrow so that they can return home and participate.
“In the past one year and a half since after my election, we had three PhD students at that time. And right now, in one year and a half, we have 296 here in Brazil, all on scholarships.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas described the meeting between President Tinubu and the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil as a moment of great historical significance.
He described it as a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with its global community.
The Speaker lauded also President Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with Brazil.
Dr Abbas noted that recent diplomatic and cultural initiatives have laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two nations.
The meeting anchored by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri was also attended by top government officials including Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, as well as Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
