We Must Bring Nigeria to the Forefront, Tinubu Tells Nigerian Diaspora

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to play an active role in driving national transformation, pledging that his administration will fast-track development through technology, food security, and inclusive growth.

Speaking in Brazil on Tuesday during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic move to draw lessons from Brazil’s rapid economic rise and to deepen bilateral ties.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” Tinubu said. “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. Now, we must act.”

The President commended the diaspora’s contributions to Nigeria’s growth, urging them to serve as ambassadors of innovation, culture, and unity. He acknowledged the economic challenges resulting from ongoing reforms, describing them as necessary measures to secure long-term stability.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

According to Tinubu, his administration is building global partnerships to unlock opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange. He voiced strong support for an upcoming cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, calling it proof that Nigerians must never stop dreaming or acting.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, praised the President for strengthening ties with Brazil and highlighted the growing academic footprint of Nigerians in the country, with PhD scholars rising from three to nearly 300 in under two years.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas described the meeting as historically significant, reaffirming the long-standing cultural links between Nigeria and Brazil and supporting Tinubu’s push to rekindle those bonds.

Tinubu’s visit also coincided with new bilateral agreements in trade, aviation, energy, science, and culture. State-owned Petrobras is set to resume operations in Nigeria, while a direct Lagos–São Paulo flight by Air Peace will soon launch to enhance business and people-to-people connections.

“You are the pride of our nation,” Tinubu told the diaspora. “Your diversity and commitment reflect the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all.”