President Bola Tinubu has suggested that the exodus of skills and talent from Africa can be addressed through more strategic and deliberate efforts. He, therefore, implored African leaders to take action.
Speaking at a dinner held in his honor at the People’s Palace in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Wednesday night, President Tinubu emphasized the need to encourage research and development by providing appropriate rewards.
A statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), quoted him as saying: “Why are we complaining about healthcare problems if our doctors cannot find a home on our continent? If our nurses face destitution, and if our judicial system remains archaic?”
President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit, stressed that Africa’s development will begin when the continent starts looking inward for solutions.
“Tribalism has no place in our nation or region. We must strengthen the continent, cultivate and maintain peace together, and support one another.
“We must develop our resources for progress, find solutions among ourselves, and focus on research and development. It is crucial to reward research efforts and bring out the results ourselves. We must not outsource or sell them out.
“To international organizations, we are partners and will continue to collaborate, but we must implement more than half of the research results here. We have millions of youths yearning for progress,” the President said.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for the invitation to visit Malabo.
“It is a joy to come here from Abuja, and for me, it feels like a homecoming. We are one family on the continent, like twins joined at the hips. We have nowhere to go but to support each other.
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“Our gathering here marks a significant milestone in Africa’s history, particularly for West and Central Africa, and between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. I am happy to hear profound thoughts from my brother, the President of Equatorial Guinea, concerning Africa.
“Africa must solve its own problems. To the world, Africa appears wretched, ragged, and full of conflicts, but we say no. Peace, stability, and democracy are the way forward for our collective and progressive development. President Mbasogo and I have agreed on this.
“We will continue promoting peace and stability throughout the continent. Some of our brothers remain in shackles, fighting among themselves. We will work together to do whatever we can to promote peace.
“What we are witnessing in certain parts of the continent, particularly in the Sahel, is concerning for both our present and our future. We must work together to make peace the focus of our development.
“Without peace, there can be no development. Our problem is not that we don’t know what to do; we know and have identified the challenges. The issue is how and when we will act. I say the time is now. We must roll up our sleeves, put on our work clothes, and move decisively toward peace and stability on our continent,” the President stated.
In his earlier remarks, President Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea thanked President Tinubu for honoring his invitation.
“With utmost affection and respect, I greet President Tinubu and extend a warm welcome to him and his delegation to Equatorial Guinea.
“We are grateful for your acceptance of our invitation. It is an honor to host this meeting that brings us together in Malabo,” President Mbasogo said.
The Equatorial Guinean leader called for greater collaboration and solidarity between both countries, noting that “Nigeria has always held a special place in our foreign policy.”
President Mbasogo emphasized the need to strengthen the momentum and dynamism in bilateral relations, highlighting previous mutual agreements in education, mining, defense, security, and agriculture.
“We recognize Nigeria’s potential and experience as Africa’s largest economy since 2015, and we view it as one of the great emerging global markets.
“Mr. President, this visit presents an opportunity to further strengthen our historical relationship,” President Mbasogo said.
He added that a deeper partnership is needed between both countries to combat piracy and insecurity, while also working with other African Union countries and the United Nations to address climate change, food shortages, and terrorism.
