‘Don’t Japa, countries you’re running to were built by people’ – Jonathan to Nigerians

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s challenges, emphasising that these obstacles are surmountable.

Speaking in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State over the weekend during the commissioning of the Soybean Plant and Refinery of the CSS Group and the birthday celebration of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Jonathan weighed in on the importance of collective effort in nation-building.

The event was attended by dignitaries including former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma; Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri; former Cross River State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade; former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen; and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his deputy.

Jonathan cautioned against the increasing trend of migration, popularly referred to as “Japa,” urging Nigerians to contribute to the development of their homeland.

“You don’t need to Japa. Those countries you are running to were built by people. We must build this country together, and invest in it so that the youths can get jobs. We must not run away from our responsibilities. This country belongs to all of us, and we must not abandon it,” he said as quoted by DAILY TRUST.

Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri echoed Jonathan’s sentiments, stating, “There is hope in Nigeria. So those who want to Japa, please, don’t Japa. Nigeria is a blessed country. If we all key into what the private sector is doing, no one will Japa.”

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), addressed the nation’s food security issues, calling for urgent action to tackle hunger caused by high food price inflation. “The level of hunger in Nigeria is too high due to very high food price inflation,” he said, emphasizing the need for accelerated efforts to expand food production, lower food costs, reduce import dependency, and support local farmers.

—Vanguard

Leave A Comment