Tinubu, In Brazil, Regrets Nigeria’s Backwardness, Despite All Natural Endowments ‎

‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has regretted the Nigeria’s backwardness in the area of development, despite the abundant natural endowments.
Comparing the country with Brazil where he addressed Nigerians, President Tinubu said that he could not understand where Nigeria got it wrong.
According to him, Nigeria and Brazil once shared similar economic starting points, saying: “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.”
Tinubu stressed his determination to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, in alignment with the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.
‎”We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny.”
The President commended the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community, advising 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 acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians are facing in the ongoing economic reforms, but insisted that they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.
‎“Yes, the reforms are tough, like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it.”
President Tinubu said that his government is laying the groundwork for global partnerships that can unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology and cultural exchange.
The‎President expressed support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State governor.
‎“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now.”
‎He appealed to Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora, to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody can truly be proud to call home.
‎Earlier, the Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, commended the president for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
He pledged the diaspora’s active support for national development.
‎He emphasised the diaspora’s role 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 actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home.
‎ “To be able to do that, I’ve also recognized, 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.”