Tinubu pledges tech-driven development, food security, urges Nigerians in diaspora to join nation-building

By Faridat Salifu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to accelerate Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, promising reforms that will position the country among the world’s emerging economic powers.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Brazil, Tinubu said his administration is committed to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth, drawing lessons from Brazil’s success.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar economic starting points but Brazil had since advanced significantly in technology and agriculture.

“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’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil for their commitment to national progress, describing them as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu said.

Acknowledging the difficulties at home caused by ongoing economic reforms, the President maintained that the measures are necessary to secure long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

Tinubu also voiced support for an upcoming cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by an initiative the President introduced 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,” he affirmed.

The President urged Nigerians both at home and abroad to foster unity, peace, and passion for development, stressing that only collective effort can build a country every citizen will be proud to call home.

Earlier, Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, praised the President for strengthening Nigeria–Brazil ties and pledged the diaspora’s active role in national development. He noted that educational opportunities for Nigerians in Brazil had grown significantly, with the number of PhD students rising from three to 296 within 18 months all on scholarships.

“What we’re saying, sir, is that here through the diaspora, we would like to be a channel to this national development. We have been working in agriculture, infrastructure, and direct investment back home. But to do that effectively, human resources in terms of education is what we strongly need to prepare the younger ones so they can return home and participate,” Emmanuel said.

In response to requests from Nigerians for new consulates in São Paulo and other cities, Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government is prudently managing limited resources to sustain foreign missions efficiently.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as historically significant, saying it rekindled deep-rooted cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil forged through centuries of migration. He commended Tinubu’s diplomatic and cultural initiatives as a solid foundation for future collaboration.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, speaking on behalf of governors in the presidential delegation, hailed Tinubu’s economic policies 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. Nigeria now offers an environment where investors can bring in capital and repatriate profits without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles or foreign exchange crises,” the governor said.

He attributed rising investor confidence to the elimination of multiple exchange rates and greater transparency in Nigeria’s financial system.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, advised Nigerians in São Paulo and nearby areas to continue using the existing liaison office until necessary upgrades are completed.

The meeting, anchored by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chairman Abike Dabiri, was attended by senior officials including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.