President Bola Tinubu has told Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country is bouncing back and urged them to bring their skills, resources and energy home to help rebuild the nation.
Speaking at a lively interactive session with Nigerians in Yokohama, Japan, on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, the President said his government had stabilised the economy and was rolling out reforms that would open fresh doors for jobs, investments and infrastructure.
“I am happy to listen to you. I am happy to report that many of our people are already returning home. Yes, for economic reasons some may choose to stay away, that is a personal right. But for the growth and opportunities now available in Nigeria, do not stay away. Your contribution is needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” Tinubu declared to applause.
The President explained that his administration had improved passport processing, upgraded health facilities to reduce medical tourism and created a more welcoming business environment. He said Nigeria’s story must be told positively, adding that true nation building could not be left to the government alone.
“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we have lost the hope of being the leaders we are meant to be,” he said.
He was joined by top officials including Minister of State for Industry John Enoh and the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who reeled out government programmes designed to support innovation and industry.
Business mogul Wale Tinubu also addressed the gathering, noting that recent reforms had boosted competitiveness, attracted foreign investors and expanded the stock market.
Members of the Nigerian Union in Japan, led by Emeka Ebogota, pledged support for the President and praised the engagement. The event also drew entrepreneurs, doctors, students and professionals, many of whom expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.
Among the high profile officials present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, Minister of Budget Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka Anite and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Ambassador Mohammed.
Tinubu’s message was clear and hopeful: Nigeria is on the rise again, and the time has come for its sons and daughters abroad to be part of the rebuilding.
