6th September, 2024
President Bola Tinubu on Friday concluded his official visit to China with a meeting in Beijing with Nigerians living in the country, describing his trip as “very good and successful.”
Speaking to members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the broader Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, the President highlighted the strides made during his discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The talks centered on infrastructure development, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
“My primary message to you all is to continue representing Nigeria with pride and dignity. I urge you to remain good ambassadors of our nation here in China,” Tinubu stated.
“We will always celebrate our diversity. It is our strength, and through it, we must serve our country with honour,” he added.
The President underscored the value of discipline and national service, pointing to China’s societal order as a model for Nigerians to emulate.
“China is a disciplined society, and we must adopt similar values. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that commands respect globally,” he emphasized.
“Our diversity is an asset, and we must use it to promote our country’s image positively.”
Tinubu also stressed the importance of leveraging the skills and opportunities available to Nigerians abroad, assuring them that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is ready to collaborate on projects to boost investments back home.
“Nigeria is undergoing major reforms, and we are making bold, unprecedented decisions. You’ve likely heard about changes back home, like fuel prices. But how can we build good roads, ensure constant electricity, and provide quality education without making hard choices?” Tinubu asked.
“The future we want for our children demands tough decisions today.”
He further expressed admiration for Nigerians fluent in Mandarin, urging them to continue sharing their skills and knowledge to inspire positive change in Nigeria.
“One of the key takeaways from my trip is the determination to replicate China’s impressive infrastructure in Nigeria. We want our children to learn in quality schools, not rundown buildings. We must foster innovation and create an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of achieving national consensus but reaffirmed his commitment to taking the tough decisions necessary for Nigeria’s progress. “We are focused, and I have a great team backing me,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations, particularly in trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.
Dr. Barnabas also appealed to the President for support in advocating for Nigeria’s recognition as a native English-speaking nation in China, which would open up more employment and educational opportunities for Nigerians.
“Nigeria has English as its official language, and we have globally recognized figures like Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. Gaining this recognition would create more avenues for Nigerians to study and work in China, contributing to increased remittances to Nigeria,” he said.
The NIDO China President pledged that the organization would continue to lend its expertise and resources to support President Tinubu’s efforts in elevating Nigeria’s global standing.
