The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has attributed the increase in ‘JAPA’ Syndrome to the economic issues and challenges that the nation is facing currently and called for a permanent solution to reverse its implication on the economy.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this in his address as the Special Guest of Honour at the 16th Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation (ACOF) Annual Lecture, themed “The ‘Japa’ Phenomenon: Implications for the National Development and the Christian Faith”.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin explained that ‘Japa’ is a Yoruba slang which means to exit or leave a place permanently usually for greener pastures. He said the Japa issue remains a source of concern to all given its deep impact on national development, culture and the economy.
He said, “This Japa phenomenon is observable daily in the sheer magnitude of migration by a highly productive demographics of persons under the age of 40 who are taking steps to relocate for good, thereby depriving Nigerians of their considerable talents. The knock-on effects are plain to see in critical sectors of our economy. The banking business, education and health sector are undergoing massive disruption due to the adverse effects of this outflow of our human resources”.
He noted that a recent survey from the Nigeria Social Organisation revealed that seven out of 10 Nigerians are willing to relocate to other countries without a second thought and the statistics are still on the increase. The critical sectors of our economy such as the banking, business, education, and health sectors are feeling the deep negative effect of this mass movement of critical human resources out of the country”.
He re-emphasised the need to create opportunities and a sustainable conducive environment for economic growth through innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship to consolidate the gains of democracy and to enable the youths to fulfil their dreams across the nation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu listed several policy initiatives being implemented by his administration to accelerate inclusive growth and the creation of opportunities for young people to realise their full potential under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus developmental agenda.
According to him, each of the pillars in the Developmental Agenda addresses issues in the specific sector of the economy such as transportation, education, health, environment and so on. The PLUS, which was introduced during the second term in office, represents a renewed hope and focus on gender equality, social inclusion and youth development.
He commended the Board of Trustees and members of the Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation for sustaining the annual lecture aimed at immortalising the person and legacy of His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie and for sponsoring children whose parents cannot afford the cost of their education.
The Chairman, Board of Trustee, Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation, Sir Peter Amangbo noted that the lecture series since its inception has identified and provided solutions to diverse issues of national concerns facing the country. He also said 130 young people have received scholarships and awards from the foundation.
