President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fast-tracking Nigeria’s development by prioritizing food security and technology-driven growth, drawing inspiration from the success stories of emerging economies such as Brazil.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Brazil, President Tinubu underscored the importance of innovation, reform, and inclusive policies in reshaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

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

The President explained that his visit to Brazil was a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral relations and learn from Brazil’s impressive development model, noting that both nations once shared similar economic baselines.

“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 added.

President Tinubu praised the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, acknowledging their role as vital partners in building a new Nigeria anchored on 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.

Addressing concerns over ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu admitted the measures were tough but essential for long-term growth and stability.

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

The President also highlighted his recent diplomatic efforts aimed at creating global partnerships that can unlock opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange. He expressed support for an upcoming cultural voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, emphasizing the importance of vision and action in nation-building.

“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,” Tinubu asserted.

He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to embrace unity and work collectively toward building a country that every citizen can be proud of.

Earlier, Chika Emmanuel, Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, applauded the President for fostering stronger Nigeria-Brazil relations and pledged continued support for national development initiatives. He also noted significant growth in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil, citing an increase from three Ph.D. students to 296 within 18 months, all on scholarships.

In response to inquiries about opening new consulates in São Paulo and other cities, President Tinubu called for patience, explaining that the government is carefully managing resources to maintain efficient foreign missions.

The event also featured remarks from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who described the engagement as historically significant, as well as from Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who praised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, citing improved investor confidence and the clearing of a $7 billion forex backlog as key achievements.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.