Tinubu Vows Prosperity Through Technology and Food Security

Speaking in Brazil on Tuesday, the President stressed his administration’s determination to restore Nigeria’s status as Africa’s economic powerhouse, drawing lessons from Brazil’s transformation from a developing nation into a global player.

A statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the President as saying: “We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny.”

Tinubu observed that while Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar economic standing, Brazil has surged ahead, leaving Nigeria behind. “Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today—its technology, its food systems. What do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President praised the Nigerian community in Brazil as “the pride of our nation,” urging them to harness their talent, energy, and resources in rebuilding Nigeria. According to him, no transformation can succeed without the active participation of the diaspora.

He acknowledged that his administration’s reforms had brought severe hardship but likened them to “bitter medicine” required for national recovery. “Yes, the reforms are tough. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he explained.

Tinubu also endorsed an upcoming cultural voyage led by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, describing the playwright’s resilience at over 90 years old as a reminder that Nigerians must never relent in pursuing bold dreams.

Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, commended the President for strengthening bilateral ties and pledged the diaspora’s support in agriculture, infrastructure, and education. He highlighted the remarkable growth in the number of Nigerian scholars in Brazil, from three PhD students a year ago to 296 today, most on scholarships.

Responding to calls for new consulates in São Paulo and other cities, Tinubu urged patience, noting that resources were being carefully managed to sustain Nigeria’s missions worldwide.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the engagement as “historically significant,” noting that centuries-old cultural links between Nigeria and Brazil were being renewed under Tinubu’s leadership.

Also speaking, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani hailed the President’s economic policies as “transformational,” citing the clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog and the elimination of multiple exchange rates as reforms that have restored investor confidence.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, encouraged Nigerians in São Paulo to continue using the liaison office until permanent consular facilities are upgraded.

The event, coordinated by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was attended by top officials including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.