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Tinubu Vows Prosperity Through Technology, Food Security Despite Hardship

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the current economic pains caused by his administration’s sweeping reforms will pave the way for lasting prosperity, with technology and food security at the heart of his renewal agenda.

Addressing the Nigerian community in Brazil on Tuesday, Tinubu drew parallels between Nigeria and Brazil, recalling a time when both countries stood on similar economic footing. He said while Brazil had leaped forward to become a global force, Nigeria had remained stagnant — a trend his government is determined to reverse.

“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. Now, we must act,” the President declared.

Reforms as ‘Bitter Medicine’

Tinubu admitted that his economic reforms — including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates — had inflicted severe hardship on citizens. However, he likened the policies to “bitter medicine” that must be endured for national healing.

“Yes, the reforms are tough. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

Diaspora Role in National Renewal

The President hailed Nigerians in Brazil as “the pride of our nation,” urging them to channel their expertise and resources into rebuilding Nigeria.

“Your diversity and commitment reflect the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” he told the gathering.

Chairman of the Nigerian community in Brazil, Chika Emmanuel, praised Tinubu’s efforts in rekindling bilateral ties, pledging diaspora commitment to agriculture, infrastructure, and education. He revealed that the Nigerian academic presence in Brazil had surged from just three PhD students a year ago to 296 today, most of them on scholarships.

Responding to calls for new Nigerian consulates in São Paulo and other Brazilian cities, Tinubu urged patience, explaining that government resources were being carefully managed to sustain diplomatic missions worldwide.

Cultural Ties and National Renewal

Tinubu also endorsed an upcoming cultural voyage led by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, describing the playwright’s resilience at over 90 years old as proof that Nigerians must never relent in dreaming boldly.

The engagement drew top Nigerian officials, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, who described the event as “a moment of historical significance,” and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who lauded Tinubu’s economic policies as “transformational,” citing the clearance of a $7 billion forex backlog and the removal of multiple exchange rates as key reforms restoring investor confidence.

Other attendees included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who urged Nigerians in São Paulo to continue using the liaison office until permanent consular facilities were upgraded.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna