Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has encouraged Nigerians not to yield to the increasing inclination of “Japa” (leaving the country) but rather to stay and embrace the abundant opportunities within Nigeria.
According to him, there are possibilities for someone to suddenly emerge as a leader in the country.
The term “japa” is a slang expression indicating a desire to leave Nigeria due to economic hardship and a perceived lack of prospects.
In an interview with Arise TV, the former Rivers State Governor claimed that there are juicy opportunities back in Nigeria that those seeking greener pastures in other countries may not have, thereby emphasising the importance of citizens recognising the potential for success in their own nation despite the challenges.
“I have always discouraged those who want to leave the country. You can always get 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. jobs when you leave the country, but you can never get the kind of opportunity you get in Nigeria. You can just wake up and become a governor or minister in Nigeria,” said Amaechi.
The former Rivers State governor shared his personal journey, noting his rise from a humble background to a prominent political leader and attributing his achievements to hard work, resilience, and belief in the possibilities that Nigeria offers
He said, “I will ask young Nigerians to look at my situation. I was born into a poor family. My father was a dispensing pharmacist; he found it difficult to train me and my siblings.
I was lucky to be trained, but my siblings were not able to go to university; anybody who went to university after me was trained by me. Some of them are working; some are not. You just have to struggle.
The elite would not want you to join the elite class. But you just have to push and continue to push until you push yourself to be part of the elite.”
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