President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians abroad to return back to the country and contribute their expertise and resources to consolidating national development and building a stronger and more prosperous country.
He 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.
According to the statement, the president was delighted to meet those he described as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity.
He 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 Tinubu, his administration is committed to developing Nigeria.
He noted that there is significant improvements in passport issuance, making the process seamless for residents and the Diaspora.
“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.
According to the president, national development cannot be left to the government alone; it requires a shared sense of responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad.
He added; “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 urged those abroad to continue projecting Nigeria positively in their engagements over there.
According to him, negative portrayals of Nigeria would not contribute to its advancement in any way but rather discourages the investment and partnerships the country needs.
Some of the Nigerians in Japan affirmed their support while expressed satisfaction with the pace of the government’s reforms, through the President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Ebogota.
Also, the President’s nephew, Wale Tinubu, provided insight into how the government’s reforms have impacted the economy positively by making businesses more competitive, attracting investment, and expanding the stock market.
Other notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese national award winner for electrotechnical standardisation; Mr. Kingsley Kabuyashi, entrepreneur and investor; and businesspeople, doctors, and students.
Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed; senior government officials, and top private sector leaders.
