RASHEED ALADEJANA sampled the thoughts of Nigerians in the Gen Z age bracket on their aspirations for 2024 and their opinions about relocating outside Nigeria, commonly called ‘japa’.
Okunola Oluwabukola: I’m a corps member and an event planner. My plan for the year is to have a business of my own that I can build to sustain me. But if I see any opportunity to leave this country, I will ‘japa’ and leave for peace. The government of Nigeria currently seems not to have a way of helping the youth of the country.
But if the government can provide jobs for the youth and make living in Nigeria conducive for us all, youths will stay and develop the country.
Marvellous Asota: I’m a student and a content creator. I am in my early twenties. This year, I plan to go into personal development that aligns with my course of study, because with the state of the Nigerian economy and where Nigeria is going, no student or youth should have the mentality of getting a white-collar job from the government. They must work hard and be job creators instead of job seekers.
If I see a credible and mouthwatering opportunity to travel out of the country, I will grab it with both hands first before thinking about Nigeria. When I make it outside there, I’m bringing it home.
Adenike Momoh: I am a student of Kaduna State Polytechnic. I also make hair. I do that to sustain myself while in school. My plans for 2024 are first to further my education, which is my priority, though after getting the certificate, it is not a guarantee of getting a job. I also plan to help the needy this year. I wish to have my own business because, as I said earlier, you cannot be too sure of getting a government job after graduating from school.
If I see any opportunity to leave Nigeria, I will ‘japa’ without thinking it twice because the structure here in Nigeria is not favourable to the youth at all; even the elders are not comfortable.
Oluwatimilehin Awojobi: I’m a writer, marketer and baker. I’m still a student. I’m intentional about maximising the year. I will be giving myself to vigorous consumption of knowledge via the scriptures, books and courses that would help me hone my skills and learn more digital skills.
It’s not the set time to leave Nigeria, even if the opportunity comes now, I won’t accept it. Nigeria is a land-filled with potentials, but the people are highly disappointed in a fertile land that can’t provide their needs.
Semiu Tairu: I am a student and I am also a shoe designer. The plan is to work more and have good connections with those who can grow my little business. I want to create jobs for people who are willing to work and the other plan is to make money.
To be honest, if I see an opportunity to ‘japa’, I don’t think I would embrace it and I won’t advise my fellow youths to see ‘japa’ as the best option. We can all stay back in Nigeria and make the country to work for us by not to relying on the government alone.
Samuel Oyolola: I’m a student, a fashion designer and also a graphic designer. My plan for 2024 is to be able to save up enough money to start up my business in full. I’m hoping I will succeed because the state of the Nigerian economy has really devalued a lot of things. I trust in God and I trust in putting in much effort to be able to achieve the savings goal to start a good business.
Oluwafunmilayo Agbi: I am currently a student. Also, I have a small business I am doing. My plan for the year is to learn new skills and develop on the skills I know before.
If I see the opportunity to ‘japa’ I will not want to think about it twice. But to be sincere, I will love to stay in Nigeria and help the government to make the country work. This will give me access to go anywhere in the world instead of ‘japa’ without a purpose.
What I think the government can do to discourage the ‘japa’ syndrome that has caused Nigeria to lose almost all the best hands in every sector is to empower the youth with skills and give employment with a well-established structure that will favour their earnings.
Adebisi Opeyemi: My plan is to establish business my own. As of now, I am a trader. If we look at the way things are currently, the government is not encouraging the youth at all. There are no good jobs. It is only if you know someone that you can get into university. At the end, there is nothing to show for it.
In fact, if I see the opportunity to japa now I’ll be very happy. The government should create jobs for graduates. We are tired of seeing graduates doing POS jobs and riding okada.
Akadri Afeez: I am a freelancer. My plan this year is to win big. I would rather japa than stay in Nigeria because the state of this country is not friendly at all. I better japa to start a new life.
With all this government is doing, I don’t see them doing anything to help the youth. Let them provide jobs for the youths of this country, pay better and create a working system as other countries are doing for their youths.
Kemisola Owonikoko: I am a student and a front-end developer. Considering the current state of the Nigerian economy, making concrete plans for 2024 can be quite challenging. However, I am determined to find ways to make it work despite the economic difficulties. Recently, I have embarked on a new venture by creating my website, which comes with financial implications for hosting and maintenance.
If I have the opportunity to japa, I wouldn’t think twice before packing my bags. While Nigeria may not be providing significant support for the average citizen, it’s important to acknowledge that certain individuals can thrive financially. Nevertheless, I believe the government should take steps to encourage the youth by addressing the factors pushing them towards relocation. This could include creating favorable business environments, and fostering job opportunities that match their skills and aspirations.
Borode Taofeek: I am a fresh graduate, a graphic designer and a software developer. My major plan is to develop my skills and offer value to people because as a youths my ambition is to be a young politician who adds value to people’s lives.
If I see an opportunity to leave Nigeria, I will. But my leaving won’t be on a selfish interest. If I leave, I will like to come back and impact what I have learnt abroad at home. What the Nigerian government should do to discourage brain drain is to create a favourable structure for the youth build infrastructure and emulate other countries that became great through technology.
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