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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to accelerate Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, citing emerging economies like Brazil as models for transformation.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with Nigerians residing in Brazil, the President emphasized his administration’s focus on innovation, reforms, and inclusive growth as tools to place Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s progress.
“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.
Describing his visit to Brazil as strategic, the President noted that the two nations once shared similar economic starting points. “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,” he added.
Tinubu also hailed the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil for their contributions and urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in national development. “You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity and commitment reflect the Nigeria we are working to build,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu described them as necessary steps for long-term stability and prosperity. “Yes, the reforms are tough—like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he noted.
The President further highlighted efforts to forge global partnerships aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange. He also voiced support for a cultural initiative involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, stressing that age should not limit ambition. “If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now,” he said.
Chika Emmanuel, Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora in Brazil, commended Tinubu for strengthening bilateral ties and pledged the community’s support for national development. He noted that Nigerian postgraduate scholarship enrolments in Brazil had grown from three to 296 in one and a half years, highlighting diaspora contributions in education, agriculture, infrastructure, and investment.
Responding to questions about opening new consulates in São Paulo and other cities, Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government is carefully managing resources to ensure efficient foreign missions.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as historically significant, reinforcing Nigeria’s engagement with its global community and emphasizing centuries-old ties with Brazil.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State praised the President’s economic policies as transformational, citing the clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog and the creation of an investor-friendly environment.
Other top officials in attendance included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission CEO Abike Dabiri.
The meeting underscored President Tinubu’s vision of uniting Nigerians at home and abroad to foster development, innovation, and national pride
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