President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians at home and abroad that the country has emerged from what he described as a “dark tunnel” of economic uncertainty.

He stated that his administration was elected to “renew hope” and insisted that this vision continues to resonate with many Nigerians.

The President made the remarks at an exhibition in the United Kingdom during his two-day state visit.

“As I stand before you, I can say that we have navigated our way out of the dark tunnel of economic uncertainty and the hopelessness of the past, towards the brighter future we seek to build for all Nigerians,” he said.

He urged citizens to focus on the country’s positive attributes, promising to remain an inspiring leader committed to delivering change.

“I can assure you that I remain committed. I have engaged with global economic assessments, including those published in the Financial Times, and I do not agree with all their conclusions about Africa.

“The challenge is not external perceptions, but our ability to define ourselves through measurable progress and clear direction,” he said.

Addressing Nigerians in the diaspora and other participants, he added: “It is you and I who must embrace what is positive about Africa, particularly Nigeria. I will continue to provide leadership that inspires confidence. The changes we seek will come.”

He acknowledged global economic volatility and its impact on purchasing power, urging Nigerians to remain resilient and optimistic.

“Keep your efforts focused in a positive direction. Sustain hope in your hearts. Together, we will achieve the transformation we desire,” he said.

Reflecting on the exhibition theme, Nigeria’s Modernism, the President said it symbolised a generation of Nigerians who refused to be defined by colonial narratives.

“They chose instead to define themselves. What I see here reflects the true spirit of Nigeria — a people who blend global techniques with the enduring strength of our heritage.

“This is the Nigeria we know and the Nigeria we are building,” he added.

President Tinubu has been in the United Kingdom since Tuesday for a state visit — the first of its kind in nearly four decades.

He was accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, and received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla with ceremonial military honours.

The King hosted a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, where he praised the contributions of Nigerians to the development of the United Kingdom.

On Thursday, the President met with the UK Prime Minister, Mr. Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street, London.

He also witnessed the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, led by Mr. Wale Edun, and Citi Bank to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.

Meanwhile, the First Lady addressed a gathering at Lambeth Palace, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, where she engaged with religious leaders.

She also met representatives of the Church of England, including the Bishop of Dover, Rt. Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, and the acting Bishop of London, Rt. Rev. Emma Ineson.