Tinubu: Nigeria blessed with brains, energy, and youth — it’s time for action

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria has the brains, energy and youth required to excel. 

Speaking on Tuesday when he met with Nigerians resident in Brazil, Tinubu said his trip to the South American nation was strategic.

Tinubu’s remarks were contained in a statement shared by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.

The president was quoted as saying that his visit to Brazil was also aimed at drawing inspiration from his host’s impressive development trajectory, noting that both nations once stood on the same economic rung.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

Tinubu added that his administration is committed to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” he said.

He commended the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community and urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” he said.

The president also acknowledged the hardship confronting citizens due to ongoing economic reforms.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” Tinubu explained.

He appealed to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to foster unity, peace, and passion to develop a Nigeria that everybody can truly be proud to call home.

Also speaking, Chika Emmanuel, chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, commended the president for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

He underscored the role of the diaspora as a development partner, highlighting the rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.

“What we’re saying, sir, is that here through the diaspora, we would like to be a channel to this national development. In that regard, we have started; we have actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home,” he said.

“To be able to do that, I’ve also recognised, Your Excellency, sir, that human resources in terms of education is what we strongly need to be able to prepare the younger ones for tomorrow so that they can return home and participate.

“What I have done, Your Excellency, is that in the past one year and a half since after my election, we had three PhD students at that time. And right now, in one year and a half, we have 296 here in Brazil. And all on scholarships, sir.”