By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians living in Rwanda that his administration will remain committed to creating opportunities that will enable citizens, both at home and abroad, to fulfil their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Kigali on Friday, President Tinubu said his government would continue to confront the challenges hindering Nigerians from attaining their full potential, while sustaining reforms aimed at repositioning the country economically and socially.
The delegation comprised academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and students resident in Rwanda, many of whom have distinguished themselves in various sectors, including education, business, technology, hospitality and international development.
President Tinubu commended the Nigerians for being worthy ambassadors of the country through their respect for the laws of their host nation and their contributions to pan-African development.
“I thank you for being good ambassadors, and we are proud of what you are doing, which reflects Nigerian pride. Our reforms are working, and the economy is bright and stable,” the President said.
He assured the delegation that his administration remained focused on building a transparent and inclusive government capable of unlocking opportunities for citizens irrespective of ethnic, tribal or religious considerations.
“We owe every Nigerian, both at home and abroad, the provision of an enabling environment to break barriers and excel in all spheres. Nigeria will be governed transparently, and I will lead with sincerity regardless of tribe or any other consideration,” he added.
The President also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to uphold unity and national cohesion, stressing that ethnic divisions should not define citizens.
“The Green-White-Green flag means so much to all of us. Your tribe does not matter because none of us controls where we are born or who our parents are,” Tinubu told the gathering.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s recovery from its turbulent past, the President noted that the country’s progress demonstrated the importance of embracing reconciliation and focusing on the future.
Tinubu further explained that the emblem on his trademark cap symbolises his determination to break the shackles of poverty, ignorance and disease that continue to limit many citizens.
The President directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ibrahim Zanna, to collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and relevant authorities to address concerns raised by Nigerians in Rwanda, particularly issues relating to passport renewal and consular services.
Earlier, Director-General of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the delegation as an exceptional group of Nigerians, revealing that it included 28 PhD holders and several executives of multinational organisations.
Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Umar Wali, said the body was founded to promote unity, lawful conduct and stronger ties between Nigerians and Rwandans.
He, however, highlighted challenges faced by members in obtaining passports and consular services due to the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali.
Also speaking, Michael Masai Ujiri, former Nigerian-Canadian basketball executive and current President of the Dallas Mavericks, expressed interest in supporting the development of modern sports infrastructure in Nigeria capable of attracting private sector investment.
Members of the delegation praised President Tinubu’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum and pledged to continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria globally.
