President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their skills, resources, and networks to Nigeria’s ongoing transformation, stressing that national development cannot be left to government alone.
Speaking on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort in 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 President highlighted reforms and achievements under his administration.
The gathering drew professionals, entrepreneurs, and students, providing a platform for the President to share progress on economic growth, healthcare upgrades, passport reforms, and investment opportunities.
“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—but for the growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” Tinubu asked.
The President emphasized that Nigeria is “on the rise again” and that leadership requires both “thinking and doing” to deliver stability, unity, and growth. He urged Nigerians abroad to remain positive ambassadors of their homeland, warning against negative portrayals that could deter investment and partnerships.
On reforms, Tinubu pointed to improvements in passport issuance, expansion of healthcare infrastructure to curb medical tourism, and measures to strengthen the economy, making businesses more competitive, attracting investment, and boosting the stock market.
Wale Tinubu, the President’s nephew, gave further insight into how reforms are impacting businesses, while Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and NASENI Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, outlined government programmes.
Nigerians in Japan welcomed the reforms, pledging greater involvement in the country’s transformation. Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for the engagement, affirming the group’s support.
Other notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese national award winner for electrotechnical standardisation, entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi, business executives, doctors, and students.
The meeting also featured senior government officials such as Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar; Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake; Regional Development Minister Abubakar Momoh; Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji; Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed.
Tinubu concluded with a call for unity of purpose: “If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be.”
