Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to resist the urge to flee the country in search of greener pastures, a trend popularly referred to as “Japa.”
Speaking during an event in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Jonathan emphasized the need for collective effort in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and building a stronger nation.
The event, held over the weekend, marked the commissioning of the Soybean Plant and Refinery by CSS Group and the birthday celebration of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).
It was attended by notable figures, including Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Bai Koroma, Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, former Cross River State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade, and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, among others.
In his address, Jonathan urged Nigerians to focus on rebuilding the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. “You don’t need to Japa,” he said. “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.”
Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri reiterated this sentiment, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s potential. “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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the urgent need to address the country’s food crisis. He pointed to soaring food prices and emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers to enhance food production.
Adesina noted that the AfDB is collaborating with the Nigerian government on a $538 million program to develop agro-industrial zones in eight states, with plans for expansion nationwide in a second phase.
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma also expressed optimism, stating, “If positive things happen in Nigeria, we are happy because Africa can only get it right when Nigeria gets it right.”
