Nigeria Seeks Diaspora Community’s Support for National Development
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on the country’s diaspora community to contribute their expertise and resources towards building a stronger nation. Tinubu made the appeal during an interactive session with Nigerians in Japan on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu expressed his administration’s commitment to creating a nation where citizens can thrive and prosper. He highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business environment, attracting investment, and expanding capital markets. The President also pointed to improvements in passport processing as part of wider efforts to serve citizens at home and abroad.
Tinubu emphasized that national development is a shared duty involving both the government and diaspora citizens. He encouraged the diaspora community to serve as ambassadors, promoting Nigeria positively in global 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 acknowledged that some Nigerians may remain abroad for economic reasons but urged them to consider opportunities at home. He insisted that their contributions are crucial to national development. Tinubu also warned that negative portrayals of Nigeria harm development efforts, discouraging investment and global partnerships.
However, he assured the diaspora community that economic fundamentals have been stabilized, and reforms are underway to spur investment and create jobs. Healthcare upgrades, he said, are also helping reverse medical tourism by delivering quality services within Nigeria.
Several Nigerians in Japan expressed support for Tinubu’s administration’s agenda. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for directly engaging the diaspora community. He pledged his members’ support in repositioning Nigeria for greater global relevance and domestic progress.
The meeting brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various fields, providing a platform for the President to highlight his administration’s achievements and reaffirm his commitment to economic growth. Notable attendees included government officials, business leaders, students, and doctors.
As Nigeria seeks to harness the potential of its diaspora community, the President’s appeal underscores the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in driving national development. By leveraging the expertise and resources of its citizens abroad, Nigeria aims to accelerate its progress and take its rightful place on the global stage.
