In a powerful address that resonated with many, former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to reconsider the growing trend of emigration, known colloquially as “Japa.” Speaking at the commissioning of the Soybean plant and refinery of the CSS Group in Karu, Nasarawa State, Jonathan emphasized the importance of collective effort in nation-building, urging citizens to invest in Nigeria’s future rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Jonathan’s remarks came amidst the backdrop of the birthday celebration of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), which drew an array of dignitaries, including former President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma, Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, and several other notable figures.
“You don’t need to Japa. Those countries you are running to were built by people. We must build this country together and invest in it so that the youths can get jobs. We must not run away from our responsibilities. This country belongs to all of us, and we must not abandon it,” Jonathan stated, echoing a sentiment of national pride and responsibility. His call for Nigerians to stay and contribute to the development of their homeland was further supported by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who affirmed, “There is hope in Nigeria. So those who want to Japa, please don’t Japa. Nigeria is a blessed country. If we all key into what the private sector is doing, no one will Japa.”
The event also highlighted the severe challenges Nigeria faces, particularly in terms of food security and economic stability. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), pointed out the dire situation regarding food price inflation in Nigeria, advocating for urgent measures to support local farmers and reduce dependency on food imports. He reminisced about the achievements during Jonathan’s tenure, noting, “There is no doubt that Nigerian farmers can feed Nigeria.”
The discourse around “Japa” has been a hot topic on social media and in public forums, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the lack of opportunities, security issues, and the overall quality of life. Critics of Jonathan’s statement argue that the call to stay overlooks the very real challenges that push many to seek better lives abroad – from economic hardships to inadequate infrastructure and corruption.
However, the message from Jonathan and other leaders attending the event was clear: a call for resilience, hope, and a collective effort to build a nation that can provide for its citizens. The Nigerian Union in Japan, for instance, represents a community of Nigerians who have left the country, some of whom continue to contribute to Nigeria’s economy through remittances but echo the sentiment of a need for change back home.
This event and the statements made by Jonathan have sparked a renewed conversation about national development, the responsibilities of citizens, and the potential of Nigeria when its people work together. While the “Japa” trend reflects the desperation of many to escape local challenges, the call from former leaders like Jonathan is for a redirection of that energy toward building a better Nigeria for all.