Tinubu shares key lessons from his recent trip to China, highlighting economic strategies and international collaborations learned during the visit.
During his visit to China, President Bola Tinubu noted that a noteworthy observation was the resolve to mirror China’s infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
After concluding his official obligations in China, Tinubu encountered Nigerians residing there and labeled his trip as “extremely satisfactory.”
Speaking to NIDO China members and the Nigerian community at Beijing’s China World Hotel, the President announced his intention to implement certain successful practices from China in Nigeria. He emphasized having a capable team behind him as well.
Our goal is to provide our children with top-notch educational facilities instead of shabby and run-down structures. It’s imperative that we introduce inventive teaching methods and give opportunities for businesses, regardless of their scale or type, to thrive.
The President declared that one economic action triggers another, and it is your responsibility to construct our country. As for me, my duty involves providing guidance, which I am determined to accomplish.
During his discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), he highlighted his endeavors to reinforce collaboration in fields such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy and mining.
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My top priority is for you to uphold Nigeria’s good image by being exemplary citizens. I implore each one of you to promote our nation positively in China as committed representatives.
“Our celebration of diversity will remain constant. We hold it dear, yet we recognize that this very diversity is our pledge to serve. When the focus is on serving others, being exemplary citizens becomes essential,” declared the President.
President Tinubu highlighted the significance of national service dedication and discipline, drawing inspiration from China’s well-organized society as a template to emulate for Nigerians.
“The embassy has communicated that China is a highly disciplined society, therefore we must also maintain discipline and commitment to build a globally respected nation. Unfortunately, I cannot provide additional information beyond this.”
“The President stated that we should embrace our diversity and be prepared to fulfill all the necessary responsibilities within the regulations of our communities, representing our nation positively,” rephrased.
President Tinubu emphasized the influence of investments on China’s economy and expressed confidence that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is poised to partner with Nigerians living abroad in order to capitalize on opportunities within their home country.
“We are implementing major reforms in Nigeria and making courageous and groundbreaking decisions. An instance of this is the recent talks about fuel costs that you may have heard from your homeland.”
Is it within our power to do so? Is it possible for us to construct high-quality roads like the ones here, ensure a consistent and reliable supply of both electricity and water, as well as create exceptional educational facilities – all without any flaws or imperfections that could negatively impact future generations? That is certainly something we aspire towards.
“If we are unable to make tough decisions, what essential aspect must be addressed for us to reach a destination where our gifted and fortunate nation thrives?”
The President acknowledged the exceptional skills of many individuals in speaking Mandarin fluently. He emphasized that it is their contribution and communication with those at home which will determine our people’s attitude towards progress. Additionally, he warned against excessive desire for free items as this would only lead to increased expenses and extended delay in achieving significant development goals.
The President acknowledged that building a national consensus on issues can be challenging for any leader, but he is prepared to make tough decisions in order to propel the country forward.
President Tinubu stated that his team was excellent and they were highly focused.
Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, praised the unwavering dedication of President Tinubu in enhancing Nigeria-China relations by fostering trade ties and investment opportunities as well as promoting people-to-people collaboration during his comments.
NIDO China declared their endorsement of Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative, which was introduced by Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in a prior year.
He promised that the diaspora community would be encouraged by the organization to advance this initiative eagerly.
President Tinubu was asked by Mr. Barnabas to lend his support in promoting Nigeria’s recognition as a country where English is spoken natively, leading the way for Chinese-based job and educational prospects accessible to Nigerians.
“Your Excellency, may I have the privilege of drawing your attention to an important issue on behalf of the Nigerian community in China. Given this country’s unique environment, our community largely comprises students, expatriates and businesspeople.”
We hope for Nigeria to be acknowledged as a native English-speaking country in China. We are of the opinion that your esteemed connections with top officials can aid us in achieving this recognition.
At the moment, native English speakers comprise more than 70% of international job openings in China. In 2016, South Africa was officially recognized as a country where English is spoken natively by local authorities.
There is potential for Nigeria to be acknowledged in a similar manner, as our official language is English and we have the honor of being home to Professor Wole Soyinka – recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature back in 1986.
He expressed that the elevation of our position will create more avenues for a larger number of Nigerians to pursue education and employment in China, leading to an increase in remittances from the diaspora back home.
The head of NIDO China made a commitment to provide ongoing assistance, leveraging their knowledge and resources towards bolstering President Tinubu’s governance initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s position on the international stage.
