President Bola Tinubu Embarks on Diplomatic Mission from Japan to Brazil, Strengthens Global Ties and Diaspora Engagement
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued his international diplomatic outreach with a state visit to Brazil, following his recent participation in a major development summit in Japan. According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Senior Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu departed Yokohama, Japan on Thursday night, August 21, en route to Brazil, where he is scheduled to begin formal state-level engagements starting Sunday, August 24.
On his journey to Brazil, the Nigerian leader is expected to make a brief stopover in Los Angeles, USA, before continuing to Brasília, the capital city of Brazil. This trip marks the second leg of a two-country diplomatic tour, which originally began when President Tinubu departed from Abuja, Nigeria, on August 15.
Before arriving in Japan, President Tinubu had also made a short transit stop in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, further underlining the global scope of his current travel agenda.
Participation in TICAD9: Fostering Africa-Japan Relations
While in Yokohama, President Tinubu attended the prestigious Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), which was held from August 18 to 20. During the event, he participated in both the opening ceremony and plenary sessions, where global leaders discussed strategies for sustainable development across the African continent.
As part of his engagements in Japan, President Tinubu held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with Japanese government officials, investors, and key development partners. These discussions centered on strengthening Nigeria-Japan relations, with a particular focus on boosting foreign direct investment in Nigeria, especially in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technology, and industrialization.
Meeting Nigerians in the Diaspora: Unity and National Pride
In a touching moment that highlighted the President’s commitment to inclusive governance, Tinubu concluded his visit to Japan by hosting an interactive town hall session with members of the Nigerian diaspora community in Yokohama. During the forum, he praised their contributions to Nigeria’s global reputation and economic development.
“You are our ambassadors,” Tinubu reportedly told the crowd, urging Nigerians abroad to continue to uphold the nation’s values and to seize every opportunity to invest back home. He emphasized the role of the diaspora in driving economic transformation, especially through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Brazil Visit: Strengthening South-South Cooperation
In Brazil, President Tinubu is set to deepen South-South cooperation by engaging in a series of strategic meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other senior Brazilian government officials. According to the presidency, these talks will focus on economic cooperation, agricultural development, energy transition, and regional security—all of which are shared priorities between Nigeria and Brazil.
The visit to Brazil is also expected to include another meeting with the Nigerian community living in Brazil, where President Tinubu will brief them on the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms, policy initiatives, and plans to foster greater diaspora involvement in national development.
The President is scheduled to return to Nigeria upon the conclusion of his official duties in Brazil.
