Tinubu Urges Nigerian Doctors in Diaspora to Help Build Nation, Says ‘There’s Nowhere Like Home’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora to return home and contribute to the country’s development, describing their decision to serve Nigeria as invaluable to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President made the appeal on Friday while receiving members of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Association at the State House, Abuja.

Addressing the delegation, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for their commitment to improving healthcare and national development, saying their dedication to humanity reflects the oath they took as medical professionals.

“It is a very great joy to see that you are coming back with the singular motivation to help your country and meet the needs of our people. Your unwavering commitment to humanity is a part of your oath and dedication in life. I thank all of you,” the President said.

Reflecting on his own experience abroad, Tinubu noted that although he had benefited from professional training in the United States, he ultimately chose to return to Nigeria to contribute to the nation-building process.

“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 and taken the best from my chosen profession. The best place to apply that knowledge is back home,” he stated.

The President described poverty and underdevelopment as major challenges facing Africa but expressed confidence that Nigeria could overcome them through collective effort and determination.

“Poverty and lack of development are challenges to Africa. But Nigeria is the heart of Africa. One day, your children will see the foundation of this country as belonging to them and the future belonging to them. That is what we are working hard to achieve, and your coming to help is immeasurable,” he said.

Tinubu urged the visiting medical professionals to encourage more Nigerians abroad to return and contribute their expertise to the country’s growth, stressing that nation-building requires the collective efforts of all citizens.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on creating a better environment through improved education, development, prosperity, and a more hospitable society where professionals can thrive.

Drawing comparisons with older democracies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the President noted that Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving and called for patience, determination, and unity despite the country’s diversity.

“Our diversity is flourishing professionally, ethnically, and religiously. We are working on stability. We are still very young as a democracy, so we must remain determined and stay focused,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians, Tinubu declared that poverty would not be accepted as a permanent reality.

“Poverty is not acceptable. We won’t accept it. We will fight it. We will bring prosperity and better care to our people,” the President assured.

He also directed that personalised letters of appreciation and congratulations be sent to each member of the Nigerian Diaspora Medical Association in recognition of their contributions and commitment to Nigeria’s development.