President Bola Tinubu, has said it was high time Nigerians took concrete action that will transform the country to the path of success and economic success.
Speaking on Tuesday when he met with Nigerians resident in Brazil, Tinubu stated that his travel to the South American country was borne out of the desire to propel the west African nation to an economically viable country in the world
Tinubu’s remarks were contained in a statement issued by special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who quoted Tinubu as saying that his trip to Brazil was also targeted at drawing inspiration from impressive development trajectory of Brazil, stating that both countries once stood on the same economic cadre.
“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, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” said the president.
He said further that his administration is determined to transform Nigeria 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,” he said.
He praised the dynamic diaspora community of Nigeria and appealed to them to see themselves as major 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. I salute you all,” he said.
The president also acknowledged the hardship confronting citizens due to ongoing economic reforms.
“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” Tinubu explained.
In his remarks, chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, applauded Tinubu for promoting stronger relationship between Nigeria and Brazil.
He emphasized the importance of the diaspora as a development partner, pinpointing the surge in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.
“What we’re saying, sir, is that here through the diaspora, we would like to be a channel to this national development. In that regard, we have started; we have actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home,” said President Tinubu.
“To be able to do that, I’ve also recognised, Your Excellency, sir, that 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.
“What I have done, Your Excellency, is that 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. And all on scholarships, sir.”
