President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s economy through technology, food security, and innovation, while calling on Nigerians in the diaspora to play a central role in the country’s development.
Speaking during a strategic engagement with the Nigerian community in Brazil, the President said the visit was designed to strengthen bilateral ties and draw lessons from Brazil’s rapid transformation into an economic powerhouse.
Tinubu reflected on Nigeria and Brazil’s shared history, noting that both countries once stood on similar economic levels. However, he highlighted that Brazil has since achieved significant progress, particularly in technology-driven agriculture and innovative food systems.
The President insisted that Nigeria also has the talent, energy, and youth population to replicate and even surpass such successes if the nation collectively harnesses its resources effectively.
Commending the role of Nigerians living abroad, Tinubu described the diaspora as a key partner in nation-building. He encouraged them to leverage their knowledge, skills, and global exposure to support Nigeria’s progress, especially as the government implements wide-ranging reforms aimed at long-term growth. Acknowledging that the reforms may seem tough at the moment, he likened them to a “bitter medicine” that will ultimately lead to sustainable prosperity for citizens.
The President also expressed support for an upcoming cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. He described the initiative as a critical platform to inspire younger generations and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, praised the President’s renewed commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s human capital. He noted that there has been a growing number of Nigerian scholars and professionals making significant contributions across various sectors in Brazil, which he described as a sign of the country’s untapped potential.
Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, hailed the meeting as historic, stressing that it would deepen cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
He expressed optimism that this renewed collaboration would open doors for trade, investment, and innovation that benefit citizens of both nations.
