President Bola Tinubu has appealed directly to Nigerian youths considering leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad, urging them to stay and contribute to national development, insisting that “Nigeria Is Your Home” and must be built by its young population.
Key Highlights:
- Tinubu urges youths to remain in Nigeria and build careers locally
- President addresses growing “Japa” migration trend
- Acknowledges economic and security challenges affecting youth decisions
- Calls on young Nigerians to drive innovation and national growth
- Debate expected over government efforts to curb brain drain
Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Friday, the president acknowledged the difficulties facing the country but maintained that Nigeria’s future depends heavily on the commitment, creativity, and resilience of its young people.
Addressing the rising wave of skilled migration, Tinubu encouraged youths to focus on building businesses and careers within the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.
Read Also:
- Remi Tinubu’s remarks on marriage, politics spark debate on X
- Governor Zulum credits Tinubu for freedom of 434 Ngoshe abductees
- Aide defends Tinubu over Oyo schoolchildren abduction
The remarks come amid continued concerns over the steady departure of Nigerian professionals, particularly in healthcare, technology, and education. Economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, and insecurity have remained key drivers of the trend, with many young Nigerians relocating to countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Tinubu’s message is expected to generate fresh public debate, as many citizens argue that migration decisions are largely shaped by harsh economic realities rather than a lack of patriotism.
While the president urged optimism about Nigeria’s future, critics are likely to question whether current policies are sufficient to create the opportunities needed to retain skilled young professionals.
The Democracy Day appeal adds to ongoing national conversations on brain drain, economic reform, and the role of youths in shaping Nigeria’s long-term development.
