President Bola Tinubu has told Nigerians in the diaspora that their country has navigated the “dark tunnel” of economic uncertainty and hopelessness.
Addressing a gathering at the Nigeria Modernism Exhibition in London during his two-day UK state visit, Tinubu harped on his administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, describing it as a commitment to renewal and the restoration of optimism for all Nigerians.
“We have come to renew everybody’s hope. We were elected to do that. And that hope is resonating with a lot of Nigerians. As I stand before you, I can tell you that we’ve navigated our way out of the dark tunnel,” he said.
“The tunnel of economic uncertainty, the hopelessness of the past, but the bright future that we want to bring to each and everyone of us. This is my commitment.
“Yes, like the deputy prime minister already said, the millions of Nigerians working here contributing significantly to the economy here in the UK and back home in remittances to our home.
“I can assure you, I’ve seen what the credit rating is saying of the African economy and I disagree.
“I’ve put that in the Financial Times confidently. But the challenge is not about the people surrounding the indices. It is about us all generating those indices. It is our own determination to say who we are and where we are headed.”
Tinubu urged the diaspora to maintain hope amid global volatility and economic pressures, promising that the changes underway are substantial and that Nigeria is on course for a brighter future.
“It is you and I that must embrace what is positive about Africa, particularly Nigeria. And I promise you, I will continue to be that inspiring leader,” he said.
“As we are navigating the world without borders, we are seeing conflict here and there. And we see the volatility in the economy and the purchasing power of the people being eroded.
“I say keep the spirit of keeping your efforts and your heart in shape and positive direction. Keep hope in your body and soul. Let’s do this together. I promise you, the change is to be here and be here definitely.”
He called on Nigerians in the UK to join in building the Nigeria they envision.
