'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance and replicating China’s success in key sectors like infrastructure and education. Tinubu made this pledge on Friday during a meeting with representatives of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) and the Nigerian community in China, held at the China World Hotel in Beijing. This marked his final official engagement before departing for the United Kingdom via Dubai.
During his address, President Tinubu described his official visit to China as "very good and successful," highlighting the strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and China in areas such as trade, infrastructure, finance, energy, and the green economy. He emphasized that the discussions held with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit had yielded fruitful outcomes.
"We are taking bold and unprecedented steps to reform our country. You may have heard about the fuel price situation back home, but these decisions are necessary for sustainable development," Tinubu explained. He acknowledged the challenges posed by such reforms but argued that hard decisions were essential to ensure Nigeria’s future prosperity.
Pointing to China’s advanced infrastructure, stable electricity, and constant water supply, Tinubu stressed that replicating these successes in Nigeria required commitment and sacrifice. He urged the Nigerian diaspora to contribute their expertise and experience toward the nation's progress.
"One key takeaway from my visit to China is the determination to replicate their infrastructure model back home," he said. "We want our children in good schools, not in tattered huts. We must make teaching innovative and let businesses thrive."
Tinubu also expressed confidence in his leadership team and reiterated his dedication to pushing Nigeria forward, even in the face of potential disagreements over national reforms. "I am ready to make the hard decisions necessary for our nation’s progress," he added.
During the meeting, Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, requested Tinubu’s help in advocating for Nigeria to be officially recognized by China as a native English-speaking nation. Barnabas noted that such recognition would open up greater employment and educational opportunities for Nigerians in China.
With his engagements in China concluded, President Tinubu is expected to arrive in London, where further discussions related to Nigeria's global partnerships and economic reforms are anticipated.
