Tinubu encourages Nigerians in the diaspora to move past past leadership challenges
President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians residing in the United States, emphasizing the importance of their engagement in the country and urging them to "move beyond the frustrations of past leadership."
Speaking at a town hall meeting arranged by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) during the 78th UN General Assembly session in New York on Wednesday evening, Tinubu encouraged Nigerian expatriates to adopt a success-driven mindset to overcome challenges in their endeavors.
The NiDCOM-organized gathering offered President Tinubu a platform to share his insights and guidance with the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States.
"I want to offer you a perspective that will resonate with you. I was once part of the diaspora. What you've experienced, I've experienced. A shift in mindset is imperative," he expressed.
"Consider this evening that Nigeria offers a wealth of business opportunities.
"Furthermore, regardless of where you reside, there will always be opportunities around, and in all your endeavors, opportunities exist if you know how to seek and apply yourself," he affirmed.
The President also expressed contentment with the exemplary conduct of Nigerians who have continued to excel in their respective fields in their host nations.
You are fortunate to be counted among those who are recognized for their exemplary conduct and ethical behavior, operating in a commendable fashion.
"I take great pride in your achievements, and I too have benefited from inspiration, determination, commitment, and perseverance – qualities that can guide you to success.
"Nevertheless, we require your return to Nigeria. Our nation has made progress; let go of the disappointments of past leadership," he urged.
Tinubu, while commending initiatives aimed at providing education for out-of-school children, improving healthcare, and addressing poverty, emphasized that Nigeria is a nation with vast privileges.
He articulated, "Honestly, we have no valid reason to experience poverty; our poverty lies predominantly in certain aspects of leadership.
"This was a focal point during my campaign. It was an arduous campaign, but I emerged victorious. Had I not dedicated myself with unwavering determination and delivered results, I would not have succeeded.
"Numerous obstacles could have deterred me along the way, but I adamantly refused to be halted. I encourage many of you here who aspire to political leadership to adopt the same resolve in your election endeavors."
He also encouraged Nigerians to embrace one another, emphasizing the importance of avoiding labels and discrimination.
Tinubu expressed, "Let us embrace each other without distinctions or discrimination. We should remove the ethnic identities that tend to set us apart. We are one family, residing under the same roof but in different rooms."
The Town Hall Meeting was attended by several dignitaries including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.
Notable attendees also included Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Uzoma Emenike; Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija; and Consul General in Atlanta, Amb. Amina Samaila. Additionally, Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara were present, among others.
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