Tinubu Urges Nigerian Youths to Reject 'Japa,' Build the Nation's Future at Home

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian youths to reconsider the growing trend of emigrating abroad, urging them instead to remain in the country and contribute to its development.

The President said Nigeria's progress depends significantly on the dedication, innovation, and commitment of young people who choose to build the nation rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.

Tinubu made the appeal on Friday during his Democracy Day address, his fourth since assuming office in May 2023.

He emphasised that Nigeria's future rests largely in the hands of its youthful population, particularly at a time when many young Nigerians are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad — a phenomenon popularly known as "japa."

According to the President, democratic governance must deliver tangible economic benefits that citizens can directly experience, especially the younger generation. He encouraged Nigerian youths to channel their talents into driving local development through technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, and active civic engagement.

Addressing young Nigerians, Tinubu said: "To our young people: 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 noted that each generation of Nigerians has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history and stressed that the current generation must focus on securing economic prosperity.

"Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence. The generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity," he stated.

Tinubu also highlighted several Federal Government initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians. He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), designed to improve access to higher education, as well as agricultural empowerment schemes and support programmes for small businesses intended to stimulate job creation and boost productivity.

The President expressed optimism that with the active participation of Nigerian youths, the country could overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable growth and development.