Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has advised Nigerian youths against relocating abroad in search of better opportunities, a trend commonly referred to as “Japa.” Speaking at an event over the weekend to mark the 2024 International Youth Day, Dalung shared his perspective, shaped by his travels to over 70 countries, that Nigeria remains unmatched as a home.
“I want to discourage every young person who has the instinct to ‘Japa’. I have traveled to over 70 countries around the world and discovered that there is nowhere I can live as comfortably as in Nigeria,” Dalung stated.
He passionately emphasized that despite the challenges, Nigeria has the potential to improve, urging the youth to transform their frustrations into positive action for the betterment of the country. “There is no place better than Nigeria, and Nigeria can work. So let’s change our frustration into positivity and begin to see how we can make this country better for all of us. I am anti-Japa. Nobody should go anywhere; this is our country.”
Dalung also highlighted the importance of unity among the youth, encouraging them to strategize and work together to gain access to power and leadership roles in Nigeria. He expressed his belief in the younger generation’s ability to bring about change and urged them to actively participate in governance.
“To the young people in Nigeria, I think my last words would be that there are quite a number of our generation that believe in you. All you need to do is reorganize yourselves, come together, and begin to ask reasonable questions to gain access to power and leadership.”
Dalung concluded by affirming his support for youth involvement in governance, stating that older generations should step back and allow the younger ones to lead, ensuring that their dreams can be realized. “Since our own dreams cannot materialize, we should not frustrate your dreams,” he added.
Source: https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/
