*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addresses cross-sections of Nigerians living in Brazil, emphasising his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reforms, and inclusive growth

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria鈥檚 development through technology and food security, in regard to the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.

Tinubu stated this Tuesday, August 26, 2025, when he met with cross-sections of Nigerians resident in Brazil.

The President emphasised his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reforms, and inclusive growth.

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Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a stated quoted President Tinubu to have declared: “We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa鈥檚 progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny.”

The Nigerian leader said described his visit to Brazil as a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and draw inspiration from the impressive development trajectory of the South American country.

He averred that both countries once shared similar economic starting points.

Tinubu also stated: “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鈥檛?

鈥淲e have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act.鈥�

Commending the vibrant Nigerian Diaspora community in Brazil, President Tinubu, therefore, urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria entrenched in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.

He further noted: 鈥淵ou are the pride of our nation.

“Your diversity, your commitment 鈥� it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all.”

The President as well acknowledged the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms.

He maintained that the reforms are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.

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Tinubu explained: 鈥淵es, the reforms are tough 鈥� like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it.”

Referencing his recent diplomatic shuttles, the President equally said that his government was laying the groundwork for global partnerships that could unlock Nigeria鈥檚 potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

The President also rallied support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State Governor.

He affirmed: 鈥淚f Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse.

“The dream must be realised. The time is now.”

President Tinubu, therefore, appealed passionately to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody could truly be proud to call home.

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Earlier, Chika Emmanuel, Chairman of the Brazilian Chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, had commended President Tinubu for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

Emmanuel also pledged the Nigerian Diaspora鈥檚 active support for national development.

The Chairmen emphasised the Diaspora鈥檚 role as a development partner, highlighting the rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.

He also stated: 鈥淲hat 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 have actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home.”

He stated: 鈥淭o be able to do that, I’ve also recognised, 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 Ph.D students at that time.

“And right now, in one year and a half, we have 296 here in Brazil. And all on scholarships, sir.鈥�

Responding to questions from Nigerians living in Brazil about opening consulates in S茫o Paulo and other cities, President Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government is meticulously managing limited resources to keep foreign missions running efficiently.

Speaking at the forum also, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, described the meeting between President Tinubu and the Nigerian Diaspora in Brazil as a moment of great historical significance.

The Speaker said the forum marked a new chapter in Nigeria鈥檚 engagement with its global community.

Abbas also 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.

He lauded President Tinubu鈥檚 efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with Brazil.

According to him, the recent diplomatic and cultural initiatives have laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two countries.

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who spoke on behalf of other State Governors on President Tinubu鈥檚 delegation, described the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as transformational.

Sani stated: 鈥淚n 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.鈥�

The Kaduna Governor noted that Nigeria now offers an environment where investors could 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.

Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,聽 urged Nigerians residing in S茫o Paulo and surrounding areas to continue utilising the existing liaison office until necessary upgrades are implemented.

The statement indicated the meeting anchored by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri was also attended by top government officials.

These include Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation.

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