Fashola Urges Youth to Reconsider ‘Japa’ Trend, Emphasizes That True Leaders Don’t Flee

Former Minister Fashola advises Nigerian youth against the ‘japa’ movement, urging them to stay and lead change locally. He highlights the importance of resilience and commitment in building a better Nigeria.

Babatunde Fashola, the former Governor of Lagos State, has encouraged Nigerian youths to stay in the country despite economic difficulties.

Recent reports indicate a surge in the number of Nigerians migrating abroad in search of better opportunities.

The term ‘Japa’ is widely used to refer to migration within the nation.

During the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies at Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State on Saturday, Fashola urged young people to aim for influential roles within the country rather than looking for opportunities overseas.

He believes that true leaders stand their ground even during challenging times.

Why did Mrs. Folorunso Alakija choose to stay? Why has Chief Tunde Afolabi, a contributor to Nigeria’s development, remained as well? What keeps them here?

In their younger days, they faced similarly challenging times. Now that the youths have become leaders within Nigerian households, it’s essential for them to embrace this responsibility.

He questioned, “Do leaders abandon their posts when challenges arise? Chief Ade-Ojo faced difficult periods at the University of Nigeria (UNN), yet he remained steadfast. Had he left, Elizade University would not exist.”