Japan Cancels Africa ‘Hometown’ Initiative Amid Backlash Over Nigeria Visa Claims.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has cancelled its “Africa Hometown” initiative, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” surrounding the project.

JICA President Tanaka Akihiko announced the decision at a press briefing on Thursday, following controversy over claims that Japan planned to create a special visa category for Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu, the city designated as Nigeria’s “hometown.”

On August 26, Japan dismissed the reports, which had been circulated in a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House in Nigeria. The statement had suggested that Japan would grant special visas to “highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” to live and work in Kisarazu.

JICA explained that the very concept of designating Japanese cities as “hometowns” for African nations caused widespread confusion in Japan, while also placing an “excessive burden” on the four municipalities involved. The agency issued an apology to the cities: Kisarazu (Nigeria), Nagai (Tanzania), Sanjo (Ghana), and Imabari (Mozambique).

The partnerships were first announced on August 22 during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). However, the move triggered a wave of discontent in Japan, with citizens raising concerns online about public safety, resource strain, and potential visa overstays. Protests soon followed, demanding the cancellation of the agreement.

In a statement, JICA said it “takes this situation seriously” and, after consultations with stakeholders, decided to withdraw the initiative. The agency stressed that it has “never promoted immigration” and has no intention of doing so in the future.

Despite the cancellation, JICA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international exchange and cooperation with African nations.

BREAKING: Tinubu Stops Over In Los Angeles On Way To Brazil

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA, en route to Brazil for a two-day state visit scheduled for August 24–25.

Tinubu earlier attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, where he held bilateral talks and engaged Japanese investors.

According to presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the President will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília and participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum. His delegation includes ministers and senior officials who will sign cooperation agreements and MoUs with Brazil.

#Tinubu #Diplomacy #Nigeria

TICAD9: Tinubu Demands Two Permanent UN Security Council Seats For Africa

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. Speaking at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu said the continent deserves two permanent seats with veto powers and more non-permanent seats, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

He praised Nigeria’s armed forces for recent successes against insurgency, describing them as a springboard for national development. However, he stressed that lasting peace requires tackling poverty, inequality, and exclusion. Tinubu urged fresh approaches to peace-building, citing Congo’s mediation-linked investment model as an example, and called for market-driven partnerships rather than aid dependency.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also pledged $5.5 billion support for Africa during the conference.

#AfricaUN #TICAD9 #Tinubu #GlobalReforms

Tinubu joins world leaders at 2025 Tokyo international conference.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, for the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

His participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Japan and the broader Asian market.

Tinubu, alongside other heads of government and global leaders, attended the opening ceremony of the conference at the Pacifico Yokohama International Conference Centre.

According to a statement shared on Wednesday, August 20, by presidential aide Dada Olusegun via his X handle, the three-day event, which runs from August 20 to 22, provides a platform for discussions on Africa’s economic transformation, private investment, and innovation.

Olusegun noted: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives at the Pacifico Yokohama International Conference Centre and joins other Heads of Government for the opening ceremony of the 2025 Tokyo International Conference on African Development.”

President Tinubu Arrives Dubai.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Japan and Brazil for official state visits.
Bola Tinubu
After a few days in Dubai, Tinubu will depart to Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan from August 20 to 22.

Naija News reports that the conference, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” will address Africa’s economic growth, improved business climate, private sector investment, and sustainable development.

It will also focus on peace, stability, and human security across the continent.

During his stay, Tinubu will join plenary sessions, meet with Japanese government officials, and engage with chief executives of companies that have investments in Nigeria.

TICAD, first launched in 1993 by Japan in partnership with the United Nations, UNDP, African Union Commission, and World Bank, is held every three years either in Japan or Africa.

The last edition was in Tunisia in August 2022.

After the Japan engagement, Tinubu will head to Brasilia, Brazil’s capital, from August 24 to 25 on the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

While there, he will hold bilateral talks, attend a business forum with Brazilian investors, and witness the signing of cooperation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between both nations.

News Brief: Tinubu Jets to Japan, Brazil for Tokyo Conference, State Visithttps://youtu.be/NwKTL15MtEQ

President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Friday for a two-nation diplomatic tour of Japan and Brazil, with a stopover in Dubai.
In Japan, he will attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20–22, engage in plenary discussions, hold bilateral meetings, and meet with Japanese company CEOs with interests in Nigeria.
Following the conference, Tinubu travels to Brasilia for a state visit from August 24–25, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, where he will participate in bilateral talks and a business forum with Brazilian investors.

Watch the related video above.

#Tinubu #TICAD9 #NigeriaDiplomacy #GlobalEngagement

You Are Not a Tourist – Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s Planned Trip, Questions Unstated Return Date.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his planned 12-day trip to Japan and Brazil, describing it as insensitive and ill-timed given Nigeria’s worsening security and economic crisis.

The President’s itinerary, announced on Wednesday by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, indicates that Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a stopover in Dubai before proceeding to Yokohama, Japan, to attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) from August 20 to 22.

He is expected to visit Brazil thereafter, but the official schedule does not indicate his return date.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi expressed concern that Tinubu was leaving the country again, barely weeks after returning from Brazil, at a time he said “the nation bleeds.”

“Our President, who has not found it worthy to visit any of our troubled states, takes joy in travelling abroad at the slightest invitation or excuse, often departing several days before the actual event,” Obi said.

“The itinerary is silent on the President’s return date to his visibly troubled nation,” Obi added.

He accused the administration of “indifference” to worsening insecurity, food shortages, and economic hardship, noting that Nigeria is now “among the most insecure nations, the most fragile economies, and the hungriest countries in the world.”

The former Anambra governor pointed to Tinubu’s recent attendance at the BRICS Summit, preceded by a one-week state visit to St. Lucia, as an example of unnecessarily prolonged foreign trips. He argued that the upcoming Japan conference could have been attended within five days rather than 12, with the remaining time spent addressing urgent domestic challenges.

Obi said the President’s foreign travels “contribute little or no tangible value” compared to the pressing need for on-the-ground engagement in Nigeria’s crisis-hit communities. He urged Tinubu to embark instead on nationwide tours to “see, listen, and learn” about the people’s suffering.

“Mr. President must know that he is not a tourist, but the Chief Executive of a troubled nation,” Obi said, calling for a “strict work schedule and disciplined travel plan” to reflect the urgency of the country’s situation.