President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute their expertise and resources to consolidating national development and building a stronger and more prosperous country.
President Tinubu made the call on Thursday at Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive meeting with select members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the ongoing ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the meeting brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various fields, and the President shared his administration’s achievements and assured them of his commitment to driving economic growth.
The statement noted that Tinubu expressed delight at meeting those he described as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity, assuring the Diaspora community that his government is determined to make the country conducive for all citizens.
The President also invited the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to speak on the government’s programmes and achievements.
According to President Tinubu, Nigeria is on the rise again under his leadership.
He reiterated that leadership is about “thinking and doing” , blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth.
He noted significant improvements in passport issuance, making the process seamless for residents and the Diaspora.
He reaffirmed his administration’s priority to create an environment where every Nigerian can feel the positive impact of change.
“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.
President Tinubu stressed that national development cannot be left to the government alone; it requires a shared sense of responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad.
He urged the Diaspora community to remain ambassadors of the country by projecting Nigeria positively in their engagements abroad.
“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he cautioned.
He reminded his audience that the strength of citizenship is not only in holding a Nigerian passport but in character and commitment to the nation’s progress.
