On Friday, President Bola Tinubu wrapped up his official visit to China by meeting with Nigerians living in the country. He described the trip as both productive and successful......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Speaking to the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel, President Tinubu highlighted his discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, on strengthening ties in key areas such as infrastructure, trade, energy, and finance.
He attended the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where these issues were further explored.
Tinubu urged the Nigerian community in China to continue being good ambassadors for their country. “It’s important that you represent Nigeria with dignity and integrity.
We celebrate our diversity, but we must also be united in serving our nation,” he said.
The president pointed to China’s disciplined society as a model for Nigerians to follow. He emphasized that without discipline and dedication, it would be difficult for Nigeria to achieve global respect. “We must be ready to do what is required of us, follow the laws of the countries we live in, and reflect positively on Nigeria,” he stated.
During the meeting, Tinubu reassured Nigerians in China that their expertise and contributions are valuable back home. He mentioned that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is prepared to collaborate with them on opportunities in Nigeria’s growing economy.
Addressing the current reforms in Nigeria, particularly the ongoing fuel price adjustments, President Tinubu explained that hard decisions are necessary to build a better future.
He highlighted the quality of infrastructure in China, such as reliable electricity, clean water, and excellent schools, and stressed that Nigeria must take bold steps to achieve similar progress. “If we want to give our children a better future, we must make tough choices now,” he added.
One key takeaway from his visit to China, Tinubu said, is the commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure back home. He pledged to improve schools and foster innovation in teaching, while also ensuring that businesses thrive.
President Tinubu acknowledged that it’s not always easy to get national consensus, but he remains determined to move the country forward. “I have a strong team, and we are focused,” he noted.
Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, praised President Tinubu’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria-China relations in areas like trade and investment.
Barnabas expressed support for Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative and asked for Tinubu’s help in getting Nigeria officially recognized as a native English-speaking country in China. This recognition would create more job and educational opportunities for Nigerians in China.
Barnabas also pledged that NIDO China would continue to offer its support to the president’s efforts in improving Nigeria’s global reputation.