President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian medical professionals living and working abroad to return home and contribute to the country’s development, assuring them that his administration is committed to creating an environment where they can thrive.
The President made the appeal on Friday at the State House while receiving members of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Associations, who were led by the Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Drawing from his own experience, Tinubu said he understands the opportunities and challenges of living overseas, having studied and worked in the United States before returning to Nigeria.
“I’ve been through that journey. I’m home, and I can tell you, there’s nowhere like home. I’ve experienced being in America. I’ve taken the best of America in my chosen profession, accountancy and finance.
“I can’t forget the Standard Oil Building in Chicago and my first week there. But since I came back from Mobil to now, it has been a very good challenge to commit and endure the possibility of turning Nigeria around.
“So many of you have seen the hazards of the other side of the world. You’ve experienced the tribulation and challenges, and you’ve come back home to feel it and seal it,” he said.
The President urged the visiting medical professionals to encourage their colleagues abroad to return, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on improving the country’s healthcare system, education, economy and overall living conditions.
“My friends who are still there, try to attract them home. But the best way to demonstrate to you is for me to commit myself to my agenda, the Renewed Hope, so that the hope of Nigerians of having a better environment, better education, better development and prosperity can be realised.
“Your children will see the foundation of this country as belonging to them, and the future belonging to them is what we are working hard for. Your coming to help is immeasurable,” Tinubu said.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling poverty and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
“Poverty is not acceptable. We won’t accept it. We will fight it. We will bring prosperity. We will bring care to our people,” he added.
