Just the other day, Amaka posted on her IG “Why Japa if you could afford to pay 20,000 dollars for travelling expenses?”.
Under that post, Amaka’s apparent naivety was not spared as there was a Kemisola, a Mohamed, a Chinua, a Papa Etim, one Mama Ojoma, and just about every known category of Nigerians educating the poster on the upsides of seeking greener pastures outside of our beloved Nigeria.
The vast majority revealed that they would, in fact, spend more than 20,000 dollars to secure a future for their children elsewhere. Na so Japa take sure?
The term, which originally meant “run swiftly” has in recent times become the slang for relocating from Nigeria to the abroad for better prospects.
The Japa wave is not merely a contemporary trend but is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. Many people at home could swear that JAPA is all they need for them to attain in this life, yet, many have JAPAed who wish they hadn’t.
Regardless of what becomes of a JAPAed, there comes a time when Nigeria as a nation will have to ask the uncomfortable question: Why do people so badly want to Japa?
Everyone seems to know the answer anyway. The primary driving forces behind JAPA include but are not limited to economic hardship, educational opportunities, insecurity, and political instability.
These harrowing situations seem to have stuck around for far too long so Nigerians think it is better to check out instead, since their problems would not check out.
You know what they say about Mohamed and the Mountain?
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has faced persistent challenges, including high unemployment rates, inflation, and a struggling currency.
For many, the prospect of stable employment and better living standards abroad is a powerful incentive. If tomorrow Chukwuma, in Texas, is able to send 20 dollars home to Umuahia from washing dishes or whatever odd job he is in, Nwanyi Okafor, his sick father, would have a whooping 26,000 Naira, which, in today’s economy, is enough to pay his emergency visit to the local medical clinic.
Who doesn’t want to be able to take care of their ailing parents at the very least?
Halima, found admission abroad to study her dream course for free after three years of JAMBing and postJAMBing in vain.
She is not the only Nigerian student to seek higher education opportunities in countries with better-funded and more advanced educational institutions.
The desire for quality education and the subsequent potential for better job prospects have driven many young Nigerians to pursue studies abroad.
You really want to blame her for taking the offer?
Like many African countries, Nigeria has been plagued by various forms of insecurity, from terrorism and insurgency in the Northeast to banditry and kidnapping in other regions.
The prospect of safety and a peaceful life elsewhere is a significant motivation for many individuals and families deciding to leave.
Corruption, ineffective governance, and political instability have eroded trust in the Nigerian system.
The lack of faith in the government’s ability to provide basic services and ensure a prosperous future pushes citizen to seek stability elsewhere.
But who knows if they are actually getting what they seek abroad?
Whether Japa is worth it or not, I think it is worth attracting our own best brains and bones as a nation and that is what policy makers need to invest themselves in.
Make effective government policies addressing the root causes of Japa, such as economic reforms, improved security, and educational investments.
Leverage the Nigerian diaspora’s potential for transformative impact. Encouraging diaspora investment and involvement in national development will sure create a win-win situation.
Empower the youth through education, skill development, and entrepreneurial opportunities as alternatives to emigration and harness their potential for national growth.
These efforts could stem the tide of emigration. But if these things remain lacking, should we all JAPA?
Click here to watch our video of the week:
VeryDarkMan’s Car Purchase Sparks Backlash Over Missing ₦180 Million VeryDarkMan Faces Criticism Over New Car…
Lawyer Slams Police for Ignoring Court Order in Speed Darlington Case Speed Darlington’s Lawyer Says…
Allen Onyema Warns of Dangerous Campaign Against Air Peace Air Peace CEO Calls for Investigation…