The special adviser to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on media and publicity, Femi Adesina has said there is nothing wrong with people going abroad.
According to him, the trending phenomenon, popularly called ‘japa’ is not new and it is not a crime for people to seek better opportunities outside the country.
Adesina made this statement while speaking in an interview with Channels TV on Thursday, as he spoke on the growing concerns in recent times over the relocation of youths to foreign countries.
Recall that, the president’s spokesperson had in a previous interview on the same TV station in November 2022 made the same claim, insisting that the Buhari administration was not to blame for such interests amongst the youths.
Adesina, in the previous interview on Channels TV was quoted saying, “If you think migrating regularly is good for you, all well and good. By all means, go. But you can’t now say because people are leaving then, it is a sign that something is fundamentally wrong.”
According to him, relocating abroad did not just start and anyone who has the opportunity of a better life should take advantage of it.
His opinion is that such persons would one day be in a better position and invest back in Nigeria.
In his recent interview, he said, “The japa syndrome has always been there. There is nothing wrong with people going abroad.
“If you think you have better opportunities abroad, by all means, go. It is not a crime. It is ideal for people to stay back and invest in Nigeria but we know the ideal is not always the reality at all times. And you must face it.
“I tell young people that if you have the opportunities to go abroad, and not go there to be a caregiver or do menial jobs that you can’t do in your country, please go.
“One day you will become a better person and invest in this country and this economy again.”
