Tinubu’s Call for Action
By IDNN Politics Desk
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to channel their energy, creativity, and youthful potential into national development. He declared that “the time to act is now.”
Speaking at an engagement with the Nigerian community in Brazil on Tuesday, Tinubu acknowledged that reforms have created hardship. However, he insisted they are crucial for Nigeria’s recovery.
“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he said in a statement by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga.
Comparing Nigeria and Brazil
Tinubu noted that Nigeria once shared similar economic footing with Brazil but has since fallen behind.
“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. Now, we must act,” he declared.
Reforms as “Bitter Medicine”
The President described Nigerians in Brazil as “the pride of our nation,” urging them to contribute skills and resources to rebuilding Nigeria. He likened current policies to “bitter medicine.”
“Yes, the reforms are tough. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he added.
Diaspora and Leaders Respond
Chairman of the Nigerian Community in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, pledged support for the administration’s priorities in agriculture, infrastructure, and education. He noted the surge in Nigerian scholars in Brazil, with PhD enrolments rising from three a year ago to 296, mostly on scholarships.On calls for new consulates in São Paulo and other cities, Tinubu urged patience, stressing that government resources were being carefully managed.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as “a moment of historical significance.” Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, citing the clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog and the elimination of multiple exchange rates as steps restoring investor confidence.
Endorsements and Cultural Legacy
Tinubu also endorsed a planned cultural voyage by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka. He praised the 90-year-old’s resilience as a reminder that Nigerians must never stop pursuing bold dreams.Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, encouraged Nigerians in São Paulo to keep using the liaison office until permanent consular upgrades are completed. The event was coordinated by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa and drew senior government officials, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.
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