Tinubu Pledges Tech-Driven Growth, Food Security in Brazil Diaspora Engagement
By Kelechi Ugo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria through technology, innovation, and food security, during an engagement with the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil on Tuesday.
Speaking to a cross-section of Nigerians in BrasÃlia, President Tinubu said his government is charting a new course for development inspired by global success stories, particularly Brazil — a country he described as having once shared a similar economic footing with Nigeria.
“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level,” Tinubu said. “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, the youth. We have everything. Now, we must act.”
President Tinubu emphasized that the administration’s reforms, while difficult, are designed to lay the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.
“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he told attendees.
The President commended the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil for their resilience and contributions, urging them to actively participate in the process of nation-building. He encouraged them to become key players in advancing Nigeria’s cultural, technological, and economic landscape.
“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity and commitment reflect the Nigeria we are working to build,” he said.
In response, the Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, pledged the diaspora’s support for national development. He highlighted significant progress in education, noting an increase in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil — from just three PhD students a year and a half ago to 296 scholars currently on scholarships.
“We want to be a development channel for Nigeria, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and direct investments,” Emmanuel said.
President Tinubu described his visit as strategic, aimed at strengthening Nigeria-Brazil ties and drawing lessons from Brazil’s development experience. He also expressed support for an upcoming cultural voyage led by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka — a project he had championed 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 realized. The time is now,” he stated.
Addressing questions about expanding consular services, Tinubu appealed for patience, explaining that the government is working to ensure foreign missions remain functional and efficient amid resource constraints.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the engagement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s global outreach, emphasizing the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who spoke on behalf of the governors present, lauded the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly the clearance of a $7 billion forex backlog and the elimination of multiple exchange rates — reforms he said have improved investor confidence.
“Today, Nigeria is a more attractive destination for investors, with fewer hurdles to capital inflow and profit repatriation,” Governor Sani said.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged Nigerians in São Paulo and nearby areas to continue using the existing liaison office, noting that necessary upgrades were being considered.
The event, coordinated by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, drew several high-ranking officials. Among them were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and other key members of President Tinubu’s delegation.
