Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, expressed that the ongoing emigration of young Nigerians reflects a loss of hope in the country.
He voiced his concerns during the launch of the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative in Abuja on Saturday.
He urged patriotic Nigerians to reverse the trend by restoring faith in the country’s future.
He said, “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 worldwide, Jega commended the selfless leadership of the First Republic.
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.