President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country is “rising again” under his leadership, urging them not to remain distant but to actively take part in shaping national progress.
Speaking on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the President called on professionals, entrepreneurs, and students abroad to channel their skills and resources into strengthening Nigeria’s economic and social fabric.
“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 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?” President Tinubu asked.
He cautioned that national development cannot be left to government institutions alone and described shared responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad as indispensable.
“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 remarked.
The President described the Diaspora as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity and assured them that his administration is committed to making the country conducive for all.
He pointed to recent reforms in passport issuance and healthcare infrastructure, saying they are designed to remove obstacles and encourage Nigerians abroad to engage more directly in development at home.
Tinubu further stressed that the strength of citizenship lies not only in holding a Nigerian passport but in demonstrating character and commitment to the nation’s growth. According to him, negative portrayals of the country only harm development by discouraging investment and partnerships.
The meeting allowed the President to outline his administration’s economic reforms, which he said have stabilised key fundamentals, made businesses more competitive, expanded the stock market, and attracted fresh investment. He emphasised that leadership requires both vision and practical action, “thinking and doing” to secure stability, unity, and sustainable growth.
During the session, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, provided updates on government programmes, while Wale Tinubu highlighted the private sector’s perspective on how reforms have improved competitiveness.
Members of the Nigerian community in Japan welcomed the pace of change and pledged support for initiatives that promote economic and social renewal. Mr Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, expressed gratitude for the President’s engagement with the Diaspora, pledging that his members would stand behind the government’s agenda.
Also present at the meeting were 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; alongside senior government officials, private sector leaders, and academics.
