President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora not to abandon home, stressing their expertise and resources are vital for building a stronger nation.
He made the call on Thursday during an interactive session with Nigerians in Japan at the Kahala Hotel, Yokohama, on the sidelines of TICAD9.
Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on the event.
The meeting brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across fields, giving the President an opportunity to highlight his administration’s achievements and reaffirm his commitment to economic growth.
Tinubu expressed delight in meeting what he described as “a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity” in the diaspora community.
He assured them that his government remains determined to create a nation where citizens can thrive and prosper.
Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, and Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), were invited to outline ongoing reforms.
Also speaking, Mr Wale Tinubu, Oando PLC’s CEO and the President’s nephew, noted reforms are improving Nigeria’s business environment, attracting investment, and expanding capital markets.
President Tinubu declared that Nigeria is “back on the rise”, driven by strategic thinking and decisive action.
He stressed that true leadership combines vision with practical solutions to achieve stability and unity.
The President pointed to improvements in passport processing as part of wider reforms to serve citizens at home and abroad.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure all Nigerians feel tangible benefits from reforms and good governance.
“I’m happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report many of our people are returning home,” Tinubu told the gathering.
He acknowledged some Nigerians may remain abroad for economic reasons, but urged them to consider opportunities at home, insisting their contributions are crucial to national development.
Tinubu emphasised that development is a shared duty involving government and diaspora citizens alike.
He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors, promoting Nigeria positively in global engagements.
“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 cautioned.
He reminded attendees that true citizenship lies in commitment, integrity, and support for national progress, not merely holding a passport.
Tinubu warned that negative portrayals of Nigeria harm development efforts, discouraging investment and global partnerships.
He assured the diaspora community that economic fundamentals have been stabilised and reforms are underway to spur investment and create jobs.
Healthcare upgrades, he said, are also helping reverse medical tourism by delivering quality services within Nigeria.
Several Nigerians in Japan expressed support for his administration’s agenda.
Mr Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for directly engaging the diaspora community.
He pledged his members’ support in repositioning Nigeria for greater global relevance and domestic progress.
Notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese award-winner for electrotechnical standardisation, entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi, alongside students, doctors, and business leaders.
Also present were Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Charge d’Affaires Florence Adeseke, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu.
Others included Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, NIA Director-General Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, senior government figures, and private sector stakeholders.
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