Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Japa syndrome, current struggle symbolism loss of hope in Nigeria – Ex-INEC boss, Jega

POSTED ON October 27, 2024 •   Politics      BY Benedicta Bassey
Former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega

Former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has expressed concern over the mass exodus of talented young Nigerians from the country.

He said the 'Japa syndrome' trends as well as the current struggles in the nation symbolise a dangerous loss of hope.

He spoke at the launch of the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative in Abuja on Saturday.

He urged dedicated patriots to stand firm and restore the faith in the country's future.

According to Jega,  “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.

“This trend symbolizes a dangerous loss of hope, one that dedicated patriots must counter by restoring faith in the country’s future.”

While noting that Nigeria’s post-independence era was a time when the country served as a beacon of hope across Africa, inspiring Black communities around the world, Jega commended the selfless leadership of the First Republic.

He added that the leaders then laid a solid foundation for nation-building.

The former INEC chairman urged Nigerians to reject claims that Nigeria is a failed state.

He said, “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. “

Speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said citizens deserve better than mere promises.

Represented by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Isa-Onilu, the minister said the promises made to the citizens must be fulfilled.

He said, “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.

“This is why constructive management is essential; it is what our country has promised to deliver to its citizens in exchange for their trust. We must recognize that our citizens deserve better than mere promises; they need tangible results from the projects we undertake.”

URNI Patron, Ambassador Hassan Tukur, emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges on leadership rooted in character and competence.

He reflected on a time when Nigerians formed strong connections across ethnic and religious lines, urging a revival of these values.

Tukur attributed the nation’s socio-economic challenges to a deficit in strong leadership and called on leaders to focus on job creation, resource mobilization, and national unity.

READ ALSO
APC caution Cross River members against unauthorize legal suits
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 1, 2025 0

RIVERS, Nigeria - The cross Rivers chapter of the All Progressives Congress has wa...

READ ALSO
SERAP urges withdrawal of bill targeting Non-Voters in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 31, 2025 0

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has appealed to Senate President Godswi...

READ ALSO
Amid doubts and challenges,Tinubu celebrates 73rd birthday with gratitude to Nigerians
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 30, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu shared that he nearly abandoned his presidential ambitions for 2023 due to a m...

READ ALSO
Senate set to prioritize Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills after recess
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 30, 2025 0

The Senate is poised to prioritize the evaluation and approval of President Bola Tinubu’s tax...

READ ALSO
Proposed Age Limit Sparks Outcry Among Political Parties
BY Suleiman Jimoh March 28, 2025 0

In a move that has ignited widespread criticism and debate, Nigeria's House of Representatives recen...

READ ALSO
Nigeria, Canada forge new Aviation ties with bilateral Air services agreement
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - In a notable achievement for the aviation sector, the Minister of Aviation and Aero...

READ ALSO
FG sets August deadline for irregular migrants to regularize status
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Federal Government has revealed its intention to enforce stricter measures agai...

READ ALSO
Nigerian leaders call for urgent democratic reforms amid concerns of systemic failure
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 25, 2025 0

ABUJA,Nigeria - Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo; Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate for the 202...

OUR CHANNELS:

FG signals tough stance on underdeveloped Oilfields, calls for strategic IOC investments
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

The Federal Government expressed its worries on Tuesday about the growing number of idle and underde...


OpenAI valuation hits $300 billion after SoftBank-led fund
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

The Japanese telecommunications company, alongside a group of investors, has recently announced yet...


Fuel prices expect to fall below N750 by Year-End - NIPSS
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has said that with Dangote Refinery...


Nigeria imposes N20m fine, 10-Year Jail Term for Ponzi scheme offenders
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 2, 2025 0

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that promoters and operators of Ponzi scheme...


South Korea launches second phase of educational initiative in Ekiti smart school
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 2, 2025 0

EKITI, Nigeria - The South Korean government is poised to initiate the second phase of its education...


NFF denies resignation rumors surrounding Super Eagles coach
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted claims that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is cons...


CPPE raises concerns over proposed ban on solar panel imports amid Nigeria's energy crisis
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 2, 2025 0

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has raised alarms regarding the government...


Kano praises Emir Sanusi II’s leadership qualities in reinstatement ceremony
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

KANO, Nigeria - Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has stated that his government reinstated Khalifa Muhammad...


CBN's strategic policies lead to significant increase in Nigeria's Net FX reserves
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

Nigeria's net foreign exchange reserves (NFER) stood at $23.11 billion at the conclusion of the prev...


Adeyeye urges capital punishment for drug traffickers amidst N1trn confiscation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 3, 2025 0

The ongoing fight against counterfeit and substandard medical products by the National Agency for Fo...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu