By Peter Salami
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to remain connected to their homeland, stressing that their expertise, resources, and networks are critical to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The President made the appeal on Thursday during an interactive session with Nigerians in Japan at the Kahala Hotel, Yokohama, held on the sidelines of TICAD9.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the gathering brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across different fields, giving Tinubu an opportunity to showcase his administration’s reforms and highlight opportunities for national growth.
Addressing what he described as “a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity,” the President said his government was committed to creating a society where citizens can thrive and prosper.
He was joined by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), who outlined ongoing reforms.
Also speaking, Oando Plc CEO Wale Tinubu, a nephew of the President, noted that policy changes were improving Nigeria’s investment climate, attracting capital, and expanding markets.
Declaring that “Nigeria is back on the rise,” the President said strategic thinking and decisive action are driving reforms. He cited improvements in passport processing as part of wider measures aimed at easing the lives of citizens at home and abroad.
Tinubu reiterated that his administration’s goal was to ensure that Nigerians experience real benefits from reforms. “I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home,” he said, while urging others abroad to consider opportunities at home.
He stressed that development is a collective responsibility requiring government and diaspora citizens to work together. He encouraged them 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 warned.
The President added that true citizenship means commitment and integrity, not just holding a passport, and cautioned that negative portrayals of Nigeria hurt efforts to attract investment and partnerships.
He assured the diaspora that the country’s economic fundamentals were stabilising, with reforms designed to spur growth, create jobs, and expand access to healthcare. He said new health infrastructure would help reverse medical tourism by providing quality services at home.
Members of the Nigerian community in Japan expressed support for his administration’s vision. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for directly engaging the diaspora and pledged the group’s support in repositioning Nigeria globally.
Notable participants included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese award-winner for electrotechnical standardisation, entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi, as well as students, doctors, and business leaders.
Also present were Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Charge d’Affaires Florence Adeseke, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu, State Finance Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite, NIA Director-General Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, and other senior government officials and private sector stakeholders.