By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reiterated that building a better Nigeria is a shared responsibility that cannot be outsourced.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the JAPA Conference organized by Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Life Sanctuary, Province 27, Lagos, she acknowledged the growing desire among Nigerians, especially youths, to seek greener pastures abroad. However, she urged them to reconsider the broader implications of this mass exodus.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with traveling abroad,” Dabiri noted. “But whether you Japa or not, who will build Nigeria? Nobody is going to do it for us. It is you and I who must build this country.”
Her message underscored the urgent need for self-reflection and national responsibility in the face of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
She highlighted that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a critical role to play in national development, so does every Nigerian citizen, regardless of status. “If each of us plays our part diligently, we will rebuild Nigeria together,” she added. According to Dabiri, it is a mistake to romanticize foreign countries without fully understanding the realities there. Many migrants end up facing harsh conditions, unemployment, and even deportation.
To drive her point home, she recounted a true story about two Nigerian girls who were deported from Europe. One of them, Gift, returned with a desire to learn how to bake cakes.
She was enrolled in a vocational school in Benin and has since become a successful baker. The other girl, whose goal was simply to “make money,” refused all opportunities and disappeared without a trace. The contrasting outcomes serve as a powerful metaphor for how purpose-driven goals can shape one’s future, whether at home or abroad.
Dabiri also warned young Nigerians not to be swayed by flashy promises of easy jobs, wealth, or luxury abroad. “People get lured with talk of jobs and a better life, but what kind of jobs? Are they legal, sustainable, or even real?” she asked. She advised that desperation should never be the driver of migration. Instead, youths should make informed decisions, grounded in self-knowledge and realistic planning.
She called on the Nigerian government to do more in creating enabling environments for job creation, entrepreneurship, and skill development. According to her, there are untapped opportunities within Nigeria, but young people need access, mentorship, and encouragement to explore them.
The conference was not merely a cautionary tale against migration. Rather, it aimed to inspire a generation to think critically, prepare intentionally, and ethically pursue success.
Pastor Noruwa Edokpolo, the convener of the conference, built on Dabiri’s message by emphasizing the universal nature of success and the role of value creation in achieving it.
“Whether in Canada, Germany, or Nigeria, success has no shortcuts,” he told the audience. “Everyone wants to succeed, but the real question is: what value do you bring to the table?”
Edokpolo encouraged the youth to identify their talents, sharpen their skills, and work hard. He urged them to begin taking actionable steps toward their goals rather than waiting for perfect conditions. “The key to success has not changed. It’s not about where you are, it’s about what you do with where you are,” he said.
He posed reflective questions to challenge the participants: “What do you want to start doing today? What do you want to keep doing to move closer to your dreams? Staying or leaving, both demand the same commitment to growth, hard work, and values.”
Another speaker, Dr. Adeoye, stressed the need for self-awareness and counseling before making life-altering decisions like migration. He observed that many Nigerian youths lack a clear understanding of their strengths and potential. This lack of self-awareness, he argued, often leads to poor decisions and a “scarcity mentality,” where young people believe success is only possible outside
He urged religious and educational institutions to establish effective counseling units to guide young people. According to him, there is often a disconnect between what youths study in school and what they are passionate about or skilled at. “We need to help our youths align their aspirations with their abilities and the realities of their environment,” he stated.
Dr. Adeoye also cautioned against hiding behind religious sentiments when making critical decisions. “Some young people have valuable skills but are not using them. They’re simply waiting for a visa,” he said. “Even if God has spoken to you, He expects you to use your brain.”
The overall message from the JAPA Conference was not to discourage migration but to advocate for informed, purposeful choices. It called on Nigeria’s youth to think beyond survival and aspire toward meaningful contributions, whether at home or abroad. By building value, acting intentionally, and recognizing opportunities within Nigeria, young people can help shape a future they do not
In the end, the conference echoed one resounding truth: success is not a location, it is a mindset. And no matter where you are, the work required to achieve it remains the same.