President Bola Tinubu of the Giant of Africa has urged Nigerians living in Diaspora not to turn their backs on their country, stressing that their knowledge, skills and resources are needed for national growth.
While speaking on Thursday at an interactive session with Nigerians living in Japan, on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Tinubu said his administration is working to make Nigeria a place where citizens everywhere can thrive.
“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.
Tinubu, who described his audience as a true reflection of Nigeria’s diversity, said national progress cannot be left to government alone.
“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he said.
The President restated his belief that leadership is about “thinking and doing,” putting ideas into action for stability, unity and economic growth.
He cited improvements in passport issuance and reforms aimed at stimulating business growth, attracting investment and expanding the stock market. Tinubu also disclosed government efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities at home to reduce medical tourism.
At the event, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, outlined some of the government’s ongoing programmes. Wale Tinubu, the President’s nephew, explained how recent reforms have boosted competitiveness in the economy.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Mr. Emeka Ebogota, thanked President Tinubu for the engagement, assuring him of their support and readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s development. Other notable participants included Japanese award-winning electrotechnical expert John Ologbotsere, entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi, as well as Nigerian professionals, students and investors.
Tinubu declared that being a Nigerian is not only about holding a passport but showing character and commitment to the country’s progress. He urged all and sundry to project Nigeria positively to encourage foreign investment and partnership.
Top government officials were present at the meeting, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador 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; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; as well as senior security chiefs and private sector leaders.
