Tinubu Leaves Japan, Heads to Brazil for Landmark State Visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night, continuing his two-nation diplomatic tour that began on August 15. His next stop is Brazil, where he will kick off a state visit on August 24.

According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will make a brief stopover in Los Angeles, USA, before proceeding to Brasília, the Brazilian capital.

Japan Leg of the Tour

Tinubu’s Asian engagement started with a short stop in Dubai, UAE, before his arrival in Yokohama on August 18. While in Japan, he attended the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), where he joined other African leaders for the opening ceremony and plenary on August 20.

The President also held a series of bilateral meetings with Japanese officials and business leaders aimed at strengthening economic ties, investment opportunities, and development partnerships between Nigeria and Japan.

He rounded off his visit with an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Japan, urging them to play a stronger role in the country’s development.

Tinubu to Nigerians Abroad: “Don’t Stay Away”

Speaking to Nigerians in the Diaspora on Thursday night, President Tinubu emphasized that national progress could not be driven by government alone.

“I am happy to listen to you and to report that many of our people are returning home,” he said. “Yes, some may choose to stay abroad for economic reasons—it is their right—but for the growth and opportunities available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?”

He continued: “If we don’t join hands and work together, then we have lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be.”

Focus Shifts to Brazil

In Brazil, Tinubu is expected to hold high-level meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other top government officials to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange. Diplomatic observers say the visit underscores Nigeria’s growing efforts to strengthen ties with both Asian and Latin American partners at a time of shifting global economic dynamics.

The state visit to Brazil marks the second phase of a trip seen by analysts as strategic outreach, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a stronger player on the global stage while also rallying support for investments back home.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna