Jega warns Nigerians against Japa and says most people regret moving – News – The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Atahiru Jega, has warned Nigerians against leaving the country despite the acute economic hardships they are experiencing today.

He noted that other countries have gone through more turbulent periods than Nigeria but have emerged stronger, expressing hope that the current situation will not last forever.

Speaking at the launch of the Unlocking and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) in Abuja recently, the former INEC boss said being a first-class citizen is more rewarding than being considered a foreigner in a foreign country.

“From the records, most people who leave this country end up regretting it. Most people leave here young, but as they age – when they are 70 years old or older – they begin to think about returning home. This means that wherever you go, your mind still reminds you of your roots. This is one of the disadvantages of Japa syndrome, as you call it. That’s why it’s important that we stay here and build the country together,” he said.

Recalling his active days in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the 80s and 90s, when several groups took a stand against military rule in the country, Jega expressed optimism that the challenges facing democracy in Nigeria will also be overcome. some day.

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Isa Oniru, regrettably acknowledged the negative perception of Nigeria around the world, including the problems of insecurity and corruption, which he admitted are real and have unfortunately led to harmful stereotypes that do not reflect reality the situation in the country. character.

He lamented that content creators on social media continue to portray Nigeria in a bad light, saying the agency has put in place a mechanism to ensure that content on social media is created to portray the nation positively.

“We are working to put an end to foreign cartoons for our children. All cartoons should eventually come out with local content reflecting our cultural values ​​to instill discipline and a way forward in our children,” he said.

The initiative aims to project a positive image of Nigeria, highlighting the country’s true strength, its rich human and natural resources, and its vibrant culture, to the outside world for a more balanced and positive image of Nigeria.