Tinubu Urges Nigerians in Brazil to Help Bring Nation to Forefront

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to join hands in advancing the country’s progress, stressing that the time has come to place Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s development.

Speaking in São Paulo on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Brazil, Tinubu said Nigeria has the human and natural resources to achieve greatness but must summon the courage to pursue bold reforms.

“We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. What do they have that we don’t?” the president asked, while drawing comparisons between Brazil and Nigeria. “If Brazil could make progress from the same economic starting point, then Nigeria has no excuse. The time is now.”

Tinubu outlined technology, food sovereignty, and innovation as the pillars that will shape Nigeria’s future, noting that reforms currently underway may be difficult but are necessary for long-term stability and prosperity. “Reforms are like bitter medicine,” he said. “They may be painful at first, but their cure is lasting.”

He praised Nigerians in the diaspora as “the pride of our nation,” describing them as key stakeholders in the country’s renewal project. He urged them to serve as ambassadors of the new Nigeria he envisions.

The president also quoted Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, saying that if a 90-year-old can still dream and act for progress, then Nigerians must not delay their commitment to national transformation.

Tinubu’s meeting in Brazil is part of his broader push to strengthen ties with South America while inspiring confidence among Nigerians abroad that the government’s reforms will yield lasting dividends.