- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian community in Japan to return and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria.
Tinubu gave the charge during a meet and greet session with members of the community at the 3-day Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) which ended yesterday.
Addressing the diaspora community, Tinubu harped on significance role of Nigeria in Africa’s development.
While expressing his delight with the conduct of the community members in Japan, Tinubu asked about their experience during their visa renewal which they affirmed to be seamless.
The President harped on the need for the members to return to Nigeria to boost it’s economic growth while commending them over absence negative feedback about their conduct since his arrival.
“Nigerian being the largest in Africa has a very important role to play. And it is with you that we must pay that. First of all, let me ask you how is your passport renewal and visa? Is it changing for the better or for worse?
“That nationality document is expecting the expectations of all of you. You can be assured that Nigeria will meet that expectations. The changes that we embark upon is all about us as a people and the leadership of Africa. Don’t take it lightly.
“I’m glad about the diversity of the background that we have, seriousness and being focused on innovation, 21st century adaptation, and being very good citizens.
“Your citizenship is in your passport, your person is in you character. I am very happy that not negative feedback since we got here.
“I’m happy to report to you that many of our people are coming back home.
“For economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away. It is the fundamental right of the individual.
“But for the economic growth and opportunity that is available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much in need.
“If we stay away, who will build it? If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leader that we are supposed to be. And you should continue to make Nigeria proud.
“Every positive comment about this country Nigeria is owned by you. It is for your future and for the future of your children. Poor management, poor comment, and negative reflection of the country doesn’t help and it will not help the growth.” He said.
Tinubu further reiterated that the country’s economy has been stabilised while also disclosing ongoing effort to reduce medical tourism by revitalising the health sector.
He also pledged to make possible amendment of local content law in order to give more Nigerians enabling platforms to showcase their talents.
“The economy is stabilised. The opportunity is immense. People are coming back. We are reversing the medical tourism in every way that we could. And I can give you the assurance that we are seeing the beginning of Nigeria rising.
“If there is a need to amend the law, we will amend the local content law to open that opportunity for Nigerians and particularly for diaspora too to bring their talents as early as possible. We want growth, accelerate one. Innovation is key.” Tinubu added.