Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has decried the increasing exodus of talented young Nigerians from the country in search of greener pastures, describing it as a loss of hope in the country.
Jega who spoke at the inauguration of a nongovernmental organisation, ‘Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative’ in Abuja, on Saturday, said the trend and current struggles in the nation symbolise a dangerous loss of hope, while urging Nigerian leaders to restore faith in the country’s future.
“The country’s current struggles, including the nation’s global label as the poverty capital of the world and the increasing exodus of young talent, known as the “Japa” phenomenon are worrisome,” he lamented.
“This trend symbolises a dangerous loss of hope, one that dedicated patriots must counter by restoring faith in the country’s future.”
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Jega noted that Nigeria’s post-independence era was a time the country served as a beacon of hope across Africa, inspiring Black communities around the world, expressing concerns how such a lofty dream could be allowed to derail.
”We must reject the narrative of a failed state and work to reform our systems, to bridge divisions, and to build a nation that serves all its citizens.”
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Lanre Isa Onilu, said Nigerian citizens deserve better than mere promises by the leaders
“To keep our commitments, we must ensure that our implementations reflect the promises made to our citizens. The issue of leadership is intertwined with the challenge of managing relationships,” the minister said.
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