August 22, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to bring their expertise and resources home in support of national development, saying the country is on the path of growth and renewal.
The President made the appeal on Thursday at Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
The forum, which brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various fields, provided an opportunity for Tinubu to highlight his administration’s achievements and assure the Diaspora of his commitment to drive economic growth and stability.
Expressing delight at what he described as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity, Tinubu said his government was determined to make the country conducive for all citizens.
“I am happy to listen to you. I am happy to report that many of our people are returning home.
“Yes, for economic reasons, some may choose to stay away, it is their right, but for the opportunities available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.
He stressed that national development cannot be left to government alone, but requires shared responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad.
He urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to remain ambassadors of the country by projecting it positively in their engagements.
“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.
The President also reminded his audience that citizenship is not only about holding a Nigerian passport but about character and commitment to national progress, warning that negative portrayals of Nigeria discourage investment and partnerships.
Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms, including improvements in passport issuance, stabilisation of key economic fundamentals, and upgrades in healthcare infrastructure to reverse the trend of medical tourism.
He invited Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to brief the community on government programmes. Wale Tinubu, the President’s nephew, also spoke on how reforms have improved business competitiveness, attracted investment, and expanded the stock market.
Some Nigerians in Japan expressed satisfaction with the government’s pace of reforms and pledged greater involvement in Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.
Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for meeting with them, pledging support for his administration’s agenda.
Other notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, recipient of a Japanese national award for electrotechnical standardisation; Mr. Kingsley Kabuyashi, entrepreneur and investor; alongside businesspeople, doctors, and students.
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