‘We Have The Resources’ – Tinubu Optimistic About Africa’s Ability To Develop Itself

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism that Africa possesses the necessary resources for self-development and emphasized that the moment to take action is now.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Nigerian President stated this in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Monday, January 13, 2025, during a meeting with his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame.

Both leaders are in Abu Dhabi to participate in Sustainability Week, which is scheduled from January 12 to 18.

Tinubu is anticipated to utilize the summit as a platform to highlight his administration’s reforms, particularly in the areas of energy sufficiency, transportation, public health, and economic development.

In a post on his official X handle, @officialABAT, the Nigerian leader wrote, “This evening, on the eve of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, I had meaningful conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

“Africa has what it takes to develop itself. We have the resources, the people, and the capacity. We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent. The time for Africa is now.”

The presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, previously stated that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, had extended an invitation to Tinubu to participate in the summit.

Tinubu reached Abu Dhabi on Sunday following the invitation from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.

The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, confirmed Tinubu’s arrival through a post on his X page.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE,” Olusegun wrote.

The summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” is scheduled to run from 12 to 18 January in Abu Dhabi. The event will bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socio-economic progress.

In Abu Dhabi, President Tinubu is anticipated to present a speech that will underscore the significant reforms undertaken by his administration, with a particular focus on energy efficiency, transportation, public health, and economic development.

During this visit, Tinubu and his delegation are expected to engage in discussions with the leadership of the UAE to enhance bilateral relations and identify opportunities for economic and diplomatic collaboration.

The forum is designed to act as a venue for policymakers, business leaders, and representatives from civil society to deliberate on strategies for transitioning to a sustainable economy while promoting global prosperity.

The President was joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.