- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has again expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic reform which he described as a bitter pill to swallow but healthy and working.
Tinubu made this known during his address to a cross section of Nigerian residents in Brazil on Tuesday.
The President had, as part of the concluding activities of his state visit to Brazil, held a meeting with the community.
While expressing his gratitude to the community, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties citizens face due to the ongoing economic reforms, insisting that they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.
“The bold endeavours that I embarked upon is to reform the country, bring Nigeria to the forefront of the continent of Africa. Get a sense of dedication, commitment, and transformation that will be for our children yet unborn.
“Our reforms initially were extremely difficult for our people to bear. But just like any medication, it could be bitter to take initially but when you are healthy, you know the medication works.” He said.
Commending the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community, Tinubu urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.
“I want to thank all of you for being who you are and what you are for Nigeria. I salute you.
“To all you here, Nigeria is a country of diverse nature. And Nigeria that is welcoming to all of us, Nigeria has changed.
“I salute the President of diaspora leadership here for reflecting that diversity to bring prosperity to all of us. What I want to do is work hard. The transformation that is ongoing is for all of us. It should be supported.
“I am a very proud Nigerian, and I believe you are a pride to our country.” Tinubu said.
Comparing Nigeria’s technological and economic development with Brazil, Tinubu admitted the need to raise Nigeria’s bar to the level of the South American country in terms of development.
“I give priority to development. Once upon a time, we can look back with fact that Brazil and Nigeria were in the same level of development. Look at us today and look at Brazil.
“It is necessary for you to be challenged and we are. Personally, I am challenged, ready to work, ready to bring the image of that country to the same level in the continent.” He said.
Tinubu further reiterated that Nigeria like Brazil has resources needed to build a prosperous nation.
“We can do it; there is nothing we set our minds to that we cannot do. Look at the technological development of this country. Look at the ability of this nation to achieve food sovereignty. Just imagine. What do they have that we don’t have?
“We have everything. We have the brain. We have the energy. We have the population and youths.
“To us, we can manufacture. We can develop. We can design and build a nation that works purposefully and prosperously for all of us.” He added.
Tinubu also voiced support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State governor.
“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,” Tinubu affirmed.
The President, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, appealed passionately for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody can truly be proud to call home.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, commended the president for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil, while pledging the diaspora’s active support for national development.
He emphasised the diaspora’s role as a development partner, highlighting the rise 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 actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home.
“To be able to do that, I’ve also recognized, 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.” Chika said.
In response to questions from Nigerians living in Brazil about opening consulates in São Paulo and other cities, President Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government is meticulously managing limited resources to keep foreign missions running efficiently.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas described the meeting between President Tinubu and the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil as a moment of great historical significance, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with its global community.
He acknowledged the deep-rooted historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil ties forged through centuries of migration and cultural exchange, while stressing the need to rekindling those bonds.
The Speaker lauded also President Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with Brazil, noting that recent diplomatic and cultural initiatives have laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two nations.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State who spoke on behalf of governors on President Tinubu’s delegation praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as transformational.
“In the past, it was almost impossible to convince any investor to come to Nigeria, but just last year, Mr. President cleared a $7 billion forex backlog, a major intervention.”
According to the governor, Nigeria now offers an environment where investors can bring in capital and repatriate profits without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles or foreign exchange crises.
He credited the elimination of multiple exchange rates and improved transparency in the financial system as key factors encouraging investor confidence.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged Nigerians residing in São Paulo and surrounding areas to continue utilizing the existing liaison office until necessary upgrades are implemented.
The meeting anchored by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri was also attended by top government officials including Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, as well as Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.