Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians living in Rwanda that his administration will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Nigeria attains its rightful position among the world’s leading nations.
The President gave the assurance during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Kigali, comprising academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, and students, a statement said at the weekend.
Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu said his government remains committed to dismantling all barriers preventing Nigerians, both at home and abroad, from achieving their full potential.
He noted that despite the initial challenges that accompanied his administration’s economic reforms, the programmes were already yielding positive results, adding that the economy had become more stable and promising.
According to the President, the Federal Government owes every Nigerian the responsibility of creating an enabling environment for success and leadership across all sectors.
He also pledged to govern the country transparently and with sincerity, stressing that ethnicity and tribal considerations would not influence his leadership.
Tinubu urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain united and identify first as Nigerians, rather than along ethnic or tribal lines.
He said the nation’s green-white-green flag symbolises a shared identity that transcends birthplace or ethnic background.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s history, the President praised the country for overcoming its painful past and embracing a future of unity and progress.
Tinubu further explained that the symbol on his trademark cap represents his commitment to breaking the chains of poverty, ignorance, disease, and other factors that hinder citizens from realising their aspirations.
The President directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna, to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and his office to address issues raised by Nigerians in the country, particularly around better harnessing their economic and intellectual contributions.
Ambassador Zanna informed the President that the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali had digitised its records and maintains a comprehensive database of Nigerians residing in Rwanda.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the delegation represented outstanding Nigerians in Rwanda, including 28 PhD holders and several chief executives of multinational organisations.
She described them as exemplary citizens contributing significantly to Rwanda’s development in sectors such as education, hospitality, ICT, sports, and business.
Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Prof. Umar Wali, told the President that the group was formed by members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps and had continued to promote unity, lawful conduct, cultural exchange, and investment.
He, however, highlighted challenges faced by Nigerians in Rwanda, especially the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali, which has made passport renewals and issuance for newborns difficult.
Among those who spoke at the event was Dr. Olugbemi Adekakan of the United Nations Population Fund, who expressed interest in extending his developmental work to Nigeria with government support.
Also speaking, Fatima Attahiru of the United Nations Development Programme said her organisation was exploring ways to partner with Nigeria in human capacity development and skills acquisition.
Former Nigerian-Canadian basketball executive Masai Ujiri, now associated with the Dallas Mavericks, told the President of his plans to support the development of sports infrastructure in Nigeria as a viable investment sector.
The event concluded with members of the Nigerian community commending Tinubu’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum and pledging to continue promoting Nigeria’s image positively in Rwanda and beyond.