President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians in Rwanda that his administration will remain committed to creating opportunities, driving reforms and building a country where citizens can achieve their ambitions.
Tinubu gave the assurance during an engagement with members of the Nigerian community in Kigali, where he highlighted Rwanda’s post-conflict recovery as an example of resilience for African nations.
He said Rwanda’s transformation showed what was possible for countries seeking stronger institutions and economic growth.
Tinubu also said the symbol on his trademark cap reflects his belief in overcoming poverty, ignorance, disease and other barriers to national development.
“I will continue to work hard until we realise our dreams,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen engagement with citizens abroad, Tinubu directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ibrahim Zanna, to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and relevant agencies to address challenges facing Nigerians in the country.
Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Umar Wali, said Nigerians in the country are contributing in education, ICT, hospitality, business and sports. He said the association was formed through members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps in Rwanda and continues to promote cultural exchange and investment opportunities.
Wali, however, raised concerns about difficulties in passport processing, citing the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali.
Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Nigerians in Rwanda as one of the most accomplished diaspora communities, noting that many hold advanced degrees and leadership roles in international organisations.
She said a delegation included at least 28 PhD holders.
Also speaking, Masai Ujiri, former Nigerian-Canadian basketball star and president of the Dallas Mavericks, said he is interested in supporting sports infrastructure development in Nigeria through private-sector investment. He cited his development of Zaria Court in Rwanda as an example of sports-driven youth development.
Officials including Khalil Sulaiman Halilu and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Population Fund also pledged support for skills development and humanitarian-focused initiatives involving Nigerians in the diaspora.
Members of the Nigerian community in Rwanda commended Tinubu’s engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to development in both Rwanda and Nigeria.
