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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has described his official visit to the People’s Republic of China as “very good and successful,” even as he pledged infrastructure improvements for Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President expressed his satisfaction with the trip during a meeting with Nigerians residing in the country.
Speaking at the China World Hotel, he emphasised his discussions with Chinese leaders aimed at enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, and energy.
Tinubu urged the Nigerians in diaspora to act as ambassadors of the country, highlighting the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, drawing parallels with China’s disciplined society. He acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces, particularly regarding infrastructure, and assured attendees that reforms are underway to improve conditions back home. According to him, “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices. “But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?
“What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?
“So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people. The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development,” he said. President Tinubu stated that one key takeaway from his visit to China is the commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure back home.
“We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish. “One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hand to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that,” he stated. The President noted that while it is not always easy for a leader to have a national consensus on issues, he is ready to take the hard decisions to move the nation forward.
“We are focused, and I have a very good team,” President Tinubu added. President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) in China, Oche Barnabas, expressed support for Tinubu’s initiatives and requested assistance in achieving native English-speaking status for Nigerians in China, which could open up job opportunities for Nigerians.
