President Bola Tinubu has given the nod to accelerate the nation’s development through technology and food security, aligning with the success models of emerging economies. The President Tinubu stated this when he met with a cross-section of Nigerians resident in Brazil, as part of his recent state visit, according to his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu, who likened the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria to bitter pill, stressed his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth. “We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny”, Tinubu declared. He described his visit to Brazil as a “strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and draw inspiration from the impressive development trajectory of the South American country, noting that both nations once shared similar economic starting points”.
According to the President, “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. We have everything we need. Now, we must act”. He acknowledged the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, insisting that they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity. Yes, the reforms are tough, like bitter medicine.
The Chairman, Brazilian Chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, lauded the President for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil, while pledging the diaspora’s active support for national development. The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting between President Tinubu and the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil as a moment of great historical significance, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with its global community. Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who spoke on behalf of governors on President Tinubu’s delegation, praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as transformational.
Meanwhile, the wife of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, Mrs. Prescilla Otti, has tasked Abia women to acquire new skills, innovate in business, and step into leadership positions, stating that when women thrive, families flourish, communities prosper, and societies advance. She issued the charge during the 3rd edition of the Annual Abia Women Delegates Conference (AWADEC), held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, the state capital, which was themed “Abia Women: United in Strength, Empowered for Purpose”.
The Nigerian Breweries Plc’s Corporate Affairs Manager (South), Eze Ekele, lauded the vision of Mrs. Otti in championing women empowerment, social cohesion, and community advancement. Ekele said, “As a responsible corporate citizen, Nigerian Breweries Plc remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, cultural heritage, and economic empowerment. He further commended Gov. Otti “for relentlessly giving Abians the dividends of good leadership that enable us, indeed, to be enjoying a breath of fresh air”. On her part, Mrs. Otti said “As First Lady, I reaffirm commitment to expanding skills acquisition programmes, supporting girls’ education, empowering farmers, and providing care for widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children.
