President Bola Tinubu said on Friday in Beijing that he was willing to make difficult decisions to bring the country forward, but that it is not always simple for a leader to achieve national consensus on problems.
The President mentioned this as he visited with Nigerians living in the People’s Republic of China to conclude his official obligations in the country, calling his tour “very good and successful.”
President Tinubu stressed his efforts to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy, and mining during his discussions with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping, as well as his participation at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He was speaking to members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel.
The President was cited as stating, “What is uppermost in my mind is for you to continue representing Nigeria as good citizens, and I urge you all to be good ambassadors of our nation in China,” in a statement released by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesperson.
“We will continue to appreciate our diversity. We value diversity, but it is also part of our dedication to serving. If it is about service, we must be responsible citizens.
He emphasised the value of discipline and dedication to national duty, highlighting China’s disciplined culture as a model for Nigerians to emulate. “I can only tell you from the embassy that China is a very disciplined society, and we must also be disciplined.Without discipline and determination, we cannot create a nation that is respected all around the world.
“We must exploit our diversity and be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country,” according to the president.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of investing in China’s economy and informed Nigerians in Diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is ready to work with them to harness possibilities back home.
“Nigeria is going through reforms, and we’re making big and unusual decisions. For example, you may have heard from home in the last few days about fuel prices. “But, can we help it? Can we build good roads like you have here? You see that the quantity and quality of power remain consistent. You notice a steady supply of water, as well as good schools. And we wish to hand over a banner that is free of stains to our children?
“What is the critical component to getting us there if we are unable to make difficult decisions to pave the way for a country so blessed and talented?”
“Many of you are really talented and fluent in Mandarin. What you contribute and say at home will have an impact on our people’s attitudes.
The President stated that the more you desire everything for free, the more expensive and time-consuming it will be to accomplish genuine growth.
To the audience’s excitement, President Tinubu remarked that one significant takeaway from his tour to China is a resolve to emulate China’s infrastructure at home.”We want our children to attend good schools, not torn huts and dilapidated structures. We must make our education more inventive and allow businesses of all sizes to thrive.
“One economic activity leads to another, and it is your responsibility to construct our nation. “My role is to provide leadership, and I am committed to doing so,” the President remarked. According to the press release.
“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.”
He stated, “We are focused, and I have a very good team.” Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, praised President Tinubu for his dedication to improving Nigeria-China relations, notably in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
He reaffirmed NIDO China’s support for Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative, which was unveiled earlier this year by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. He stated that the organisation is keen to move the effort forward in the diaspora population.
Mr. Barnabas asked President Tinubu’s support in campaigning for Nigeria’s official recognition as a native English-speaking nation, which would provide Nigerians with work and educational prospects in China.
In Essence
President Bola Tinubu’s remarks about his willingness to take hard decisions to move Nigeria forward underscore a significant leadership philosophy that reflects both ambition and pragmatism.
His acknowledgment of the challenges associated with building national consensus on tough reforms resonates with the complexities of governance, particularly in a diverse and dynamic nation like Nigeria.
Tinubu’s focus on discipline and determination, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society, sends a message to Nigerians about the need for collective responsibility in national development.
By promoting values such as discipline, adherence to law, and a commitment to personal and national progress, he seems to be advocating for a cultural shift, where citizens play an active role in nation-building rather than relying solely on government.
