By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has expressed its determination to not only halt the wave of mass emigration of Nigerian youth but also reverse it.
The growing trend of Nigerians migrating abroad in search of better opportunities, is known in Nigerian parlance as “Japa” syndrome.
What the Red Chamber is planning to do is known in street lingo as “Japada” that’s returning to one’s native country after staying abroad for a certain period of time.
The Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations committee, chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi), has vowed to address this issue as part of its strategy to strengthen the nation’s economy and reduce mass emigration.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, emphasised the importance of reversing the trend for the benefit of the country.
“This committee will do this by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the area of making Nigerians particularly the youth, believe more in their country and not the mindset of wanting to rush out of the country.
“Patriotism is earned and not forced. We need to identify a few steps that we can use in building our economy here using our diaspora energy.
“We’re going to look into countries like India, Pakistan, even Egypt, in Africa here on how they have grown their capacities and making their countries attractive for a larger percentage of citizenry to stay.
“The committee will start this process by getting the database of Nigerians in Diaspora, country by country and also collaborate with various international organisations on areas of focus that can attract many of them back home.
“India is a very good example of reversing the japa syndrome by being the Information and Communication Technology capacity hub of the world with attendant jobs for its citizens,” Akpoti-Uduaghan added.
In his remarks, the former chairman of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra), expressed confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership.
He praised her for possessing the necessary skills to lead the committee effectively and galvanize efforts to tap into the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora communities. “With Senator Natasha as Chairman, I am confident that the committee will make significant strides in reversing the ‘Japa’ syndrome,” Umeh said.
