In the bustling heart of Brazil, where samba rhythms meet modern innovation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood before a hall packed with Nigerians in the diaspora.
His message was clear, urgent, and deeply personal: Nigeria’s transformation will be built on technology, food security, and the collective strength of its people, both at home and abroad.
On Tuesday, during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Brazil, the President pledged to fast-track the nation’s development by drawing lessons from Brazil’s own journey. He reminded his audience that both nations once shared similar economic starting points.
“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level,” Tinubu declared, his voice firm. “Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. What do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, the youth. We have everything. Now, we must act.”
Diaspora as Nation Builders
The President praised the Nigerian diaspora community for their resilience, talent, and contributions, describing them as “the pride of our nation.”
He tasked them with playing a greater role in nation-building through investment, innovation, and cultural exchange.
“You are not bystanders. You are stakeholders,” Tinubu said, urging them to channel their knowledge and resources back home.
Chika Emmanuel, chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora in Brazil, echoed this commitment, highlighting a surge in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.
“From just three PhD students a year ago, we now have 296, most on scholarships,” Emmanuel revealed, pledging that the diaspora will remain a bridge for agriculture, infrastructure, and direct investment in Nigeria.
Tough Reforms, Brighter Tomorrow
The President did not shy away from addressing Nigeria’s current economic pains. Comparing ongoing reforms to “bitter medicine,” he admitted the challenges but insisted they are necessary for long-term stability and prosperity.
“Yes, the reforms are tough. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he told the audience.
He also pointed to recent policy wins, such as clearing a $7 billion forex backlog, ending multiple exchange rates, and introducing transparency measures that have reignited investor confidence.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was part of the delegation, described these steps as “transformational,” noting that foreign investors now view Nigeria as a safer, more profitable destination.
Deepening Ties with Brazil
For Tinubu, the trip was more than outreach, it was strategy. By strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relationship with Brazil, he hopes to unlock partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, framed the visit as “a historic moment” that rekindles centuries-old cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
The President also voiced support for a cultural voyage spearheaded by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, noting that if Soyinka, at 90, can still dream boldly, then Nigerians everywhere must rise to the task of nation-building.
A Call to Unity
As the evening drew to a close, Tinubu’s appeal grew more emotional. He urged Nigerians, whether in Lagos or São Paulo, to hold fast to unity, peace, and purpose.
“The dream must be realized. The time is now,” he said. “Together, we can build a Nigeria that we all will be proud to call home.”
The event, anchored by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, was attended by senior government officials, governors, ministers, and lawmakers, reinforcing its significance.
For many in attendance, it was more than a presidential address, it was a rallying cry. A reminder that Nigeria’s next chapter will not be written by government alone, but by the collective efforts of citizens across the world, driven by innovation, resilience, and an unshakable belief in a better tomorrow.
