President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora for returning home to contribute to the country’s healthcare system, describing their commitment as a selfless service to humanity and a vital contribution to Nigeria’s development.
Receiving members of Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations at the Presidential Villa, the President said their decision to return and support the nation’s healthcare sector reflected their dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians.
“It is a great joy to see that you are coming back with a single motivation—to help your country and meet the needs of our people,” the President said. “Your unwavering commitment to humanity is part of the oath you took as medical professionals, and I thank every one of you.”
Drawing from his personal experience, President Tinubu reflected on his own time in the United States, where he received professional training in accounting and finance before returning to Nigeria.
“I have been through that journey. I am home, and I can tell you there is nowhere like home,” he said. “I experienced life in America and benefited from the best professional training, but I returned because I believed Nigeria was where I could make the greatest impact.”
The President acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians living abroad, noting that many had experienced the opportunities and challenges of life overseas before choosing to give back to their homeland.
He described poverty and underdevelopment as major challenges confronting Africa, while emphasizing that Nigeria remains central to the continent’s future.
Highlighting his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu assured the visiting medical professionals that the government remains committed to creating a better environment through improved healthcare, education, economic growth, and national prosperity.
“We are working to ensure that Nigerians have a better environment, better education, better development, and greater prosperity,” he said. “We want future generations to see Nigeria as a country that belongs to them and offers them limitless opportunities.”
The President also encouraged members of the diaspora to inspire other Nigerian professionals abroad to return home and contribute to national development.
“Many people built the societies where you currently live because they remained focused on developing their countries,” he said. “We must demonstrate that same commitment to building Nigeria.”
Using the recent FIFA World Cup as an example, Tinubu spoke about the value of diversity, unity, and national pride, urging Nigerians to celebrate and invest in their own country.
“Next time, it should be Nigeria,” he said. “We should all celebrate this country.”
The President acknowledged that Nigeria’s democratic journey continues to evolve and stressed that despite political challenges and the country’s ethnic and religious diversity, his administration remains focused on strengthening national stability.
“If you look at our journey, we are still a young democracy,” he noted. “Compared to over 250 years of American democracy and centuries of British governance, we are still developing our institutions.”
Reaffirming his administration’s determination to tackle poverty, Tinubu declared that poverty would not be accepted as Nigeria’s future.
“We will fight poverty. We will bring prosperity. We will provide better care for our people,” he said, commending the Minister of State for Health and other officials for their efforts in advancing healthcare reforms.
In appreciation of the visiting delegation, the President directed the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, working with his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, to prepare personalized letters of appreciation and congratulations for each member of the delegation for his signature.
President Tinubu said the gesture would serve as a lasting reminder of the government’s appreciation for their patriotic service and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with Nigerians in the diaspora to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.