President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and contribute their expertise and resources toward consolidating national development and building a stronger, more prosperous country.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive engagement with select members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
The meeting, which brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various fields, provided the president with an opportunity to share his administration’s achievements and reaffirm his commitment to driving economic growth.
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President Tinubu expressed delight at meeting what he described as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity, assuring the diaspora community that his government is determined to make the country more conducive for all citizens.
Tinubu said Nigeria is “on the rise again” under his leadership, noting that true leadership is about “thinking and doing”, blending visionary ideas with practical actions to ensure stability, unity, and growth.
“I am happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some may choose to stay away—it is a fundamental right—but for the economic growth and opportunities 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 emphasised that national development cannot be left to the government alone, insisting that it requires a shared sense of responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad. He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain true ambassadors of the country by projecting its image positively in their engagements.
The president reminded his audience that the strength of citizenship lies not only in holding a Nigerian passport but also in character and commitment to the nation’s progress. According to him, negative portrayals of Nigeria do little to advance development and discourage investment and partnerships.
Some Nigerians in Japan expressed satisfaction with the pace of reforms and pledged their support, promising to explore greater avenues for involvement in Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.
Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked President Tinubu for finding time to meet with them and affirmed his members’ support for the administration’s efforts to reposition the country.
President departs Japan for Brazil
Meanwhile, Tinubu departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night for Brazil, where he is expected to begin a state visit on August 24.
The president will have a stopover in Los Angeles before continuing his journey to Brasília, the capital of Brazil.
Tinubu began his two-nation tour on Friday, August 15, when he departed Abuja. His entourage had a stopover in Dubai, UAE, before arriving in Yokohama early on August 18.
After attending the opening ceremony and plenary of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) on August 20, the president held a series of bilateral meetings, culminating in his interactive session with Nigerians in the Diaspora on Thursday night.
