Before now, ‘Japa’, a Nigerian slang term for “one’s inevitable departure from one’s homeland due to harsh realities of life” used to be seen as a syndrome. Syndrome “is a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition.” Medically, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, “it is a combination of medical problems that shows the existence of a particular disease or mental condition.” So, when did an option become a syndrome? 

Nigeria is a country richly blessed by God with abundant natural resources and great human capital. But Nigeria has suffered the intractable problem of bad leaders, leaders with no vision of a better life or any reasonable concern for their people. Consequently, It is apt to say that Nigeria has not been gifted with leaders, but politicians who have become the plague of the nation devouring not only her resources but also the people. 

In the last decade, it is clear that while the world is reeling in economic woes, Nigerians have been particularly sent to the hell of economic woes. As hard working as Nigerians are, Government after government have come up with policies and programmes that are not people oriented but designed to perpetuate the class distinction that has helped the rich to be super rich and the poor to become incurably poor. Truth be told, no sane person would want to remain in this hell when the door of paradise is opened before him or her.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio was reported to have recently said that “Nigerian should not ‘Japa’, that they should show more love for their homeland and stay to transform things.” Nigeria leaders are known to ask the people to make sacrifices for the good of the nation when they themselves live in affluence and unwilling to put up with any discomfort.

When people are deprived of basic opportunities, when they are taxed out of legitimate businesses, when they are deprived easy access to basic necessities of life, then rational people must explore other options and choose anyone that promises them the flourishing of life. Thus, ‘Japa’ is a viable option, it is a better option for those able to explore it and it will be tantamount to foolhardiness not to utilize it.

It is obvious that the Nigerian State and other public officials do not have the love of the nation at heart, they are selfish megalomaniacs interested only in abysmal accusation and not the common good. There is not decent prospect for the common man because of the ineptitude of our leaders, there is no access to portable water as everyone produces their own water. Electricity is epileptic and when available, it is expensive. Many roads are not vehicle worthy, yet our cars are required to be road worthy, even when it is essentially the roads that destroys the life of our vehicles.  

Education is gradually being priced out of the reach of the poor, and I mean all levels of education not just tertiary education. We all want better life and there is nothing on the horizon that the Nigerian State is ready to give people that opportunity. As many have observed the benefit of this government is nothing but hardship in its abundance. 

This is no way to live life. When politicians begin to make sacrifices for the nations, by donating their pay and allowances, then we can expect the masses not to ‘Japa’ but stay. When the President put up his Yacht for sale and utilizes Commercial planes for his trips then we will take him seriously. For now, ‘Japa’, if you are able, or stay at your own peril!

From what we have seen thus far, many Nigerians who have taken the ‘Japa’ route have better their life. They have not only survived harsh economic realities, but they have also thrived in their land of choice. Yes, it is not always golden and easy for everyone, but generally, the decision to ‘Japa’ has brought many new opportunities for fulfillment and better prospects for themselves and their children. 

Even with the though educational route, Nigerians continue to thrive and break new heights. Given the situation at home, there is no justifiable reason for those able not to seek greener pastures especially when the conditions at home have been stifling. Yes, the Senate President is right, Money should not be the determining factor pushing people to Japa. 

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is still valid here. The American Psychologist believed that people have infinite potentials for personal growth and development. But this is not possible unless their physiological, safter, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs are met. 

In the Nigeria of today, the climate is stacked against the ordinary citizens to be able to actualize these needs and thereby accomplish their life’s goal and feel fulfilled. Consequently, once an exit plan presents itself, the drive for self-actualization must be heeded, otherwise, life will slowly ebb away. The task of a responsible government is to ensure that all her citizens are helped to actualize their life’s goal and contribute meaningfully to their society. Presently, our society is not yet engineered or designed to do this. Therefore, ‘Japa’, here we come!