By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
TECHNOLOGY AND food security will serve as the cornerstones of Nigeria’s accelerated development, President Bola Tinubu said during an engagement with Nigerians in Brazil on Tuesday.
The President emphasised his administration’s determination to drive transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he declared.
Tinubu described his visit to Brazil as a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties and to draw lessons from the South American nation’s rise in technology and agriculture.
He recalled that both countries once stood on similar economic ground but noted Brazil’s progress.
“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.
Commending the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora, Tinubu urged them to consider themselves key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation 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,” he told the gathering.
Addressing the ongoing challenges of economic reforms, Tinubu described the policies as necessary steps toward stability and 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 explained.
Highlighting his recent diplomatic engagements, the President said his government was laying the foundation for global partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s position in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.
He voiced his support for an upcoming cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, noting it as an extension of initiatives he first launched as governor of Lagos State.
“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” Tinubu said.
The President appealed for unity and peace among Nigerians at home and abroad, stressing that national pride must be strengthened through collective responsibility.
Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, commended the President for reinforcing ties with Brazil and pledged the diaspora’s continued support for development.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives in agriculture, infrastructure, and investment, while emphasising education as a key driver of future growth.
“In the past one year and a half since after my election, we had three PhD students at that time. And right now, in one year and a half, we have 296 here in Brazil. And all on scholarships, sir,” Emmanuel said.
Responding to questions on the establishment of additional consulates in São Paulo and other cities, Tinubu urged patience, explaining that government was working within constrained resources to maintain efficiency in foreign missions.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting with the diaspora community as historically significant, saying it represented a new phase in Nigeria’s global engagement.
He noted the historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil and underscored the importance of renewing those connections.
Abbas also praised Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations through diplomatic and cultural initiatives.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who represented state governors on the President’s delegation, commended the administration’s economic policies as transformational.
He cited the clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog as a key intervention.
“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,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria now provides an environment where investors can bring capital and repatriate profits without facing bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He added that the elimination of multiple exchange rates and improved transparency in the financial system were encouraging investor confidence.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, advised Nigerians living in São Paulo and nearby areas to continue utilising the existing liaison office until upgrades are made.
The event, anchored by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, was attended by senior government officials including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and other members of the President’s delegation.
