President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night, heading to Brazil to begin a state visit scheduled for August 24.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the President will first stop in Los Angeles before continuing to Brasília, the Brazilian capital.
Tinubu began his two-nation journey on August 15, leaving Abuja with a brief stopover in Dubai, UAE, before arriving in Yokohama on August 18.
While in Japan, the President attended the opening ceremony and plenary of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) on August 20. He also held several bilateral engagements and concluded with an interactive session with Nigerians in the Diaspora on Thursday night.
During the meeting, Tinubu urged Nigerians abroad to contribute their skills and resources toward national development, stressing that the country’s progress could not be left solely in the hands of government.
“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 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?” he said.
The President further emphasized collective responsibility, stating: “If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be.”
What you should know
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarked on a diplomatic mission spanning Japan and Brazil, underscoring Nigeria’s role in international cooperation and economic partnerships.
At TICAD9 in Japan, he engaged world leaders and encouraged Nigerians abroad to see themselves as stakeholders in the country’s growth. His call reflects a long-standing emphasis on diaspora contributions, as remittances and expertise from Nigerians overseas play a vital role in national development.
By urging unity and shared responsibility, Tinubu’s message was clear: rebuilding Nigeria requires both government action and the active involvement of citizens at home and abroad.
