“Don’t abandon Nigeria”: Plateau governor urges graduates to resist japa

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has urged Nigerian graduates to resist the temptation to completely abandon the country in search of better opportunities abroad, encouraging those who must migrate to do so legally and to remain connected to Nigeria.

The appeal was made during a graduation ceremony in Plateau State, ValidViewNetwork reports .

THE APPEAL

Mutfwang acknowledged the challenges facing graduates, including unemployment and economic hardship, but urged them not to give up on Nigeria.

“I want to encourage our young people not to completely abandon Nigeria. If you must travel, travel legally, and remember that your talents are needed here,” he said .

He stressed that Nigeria’s development depends on the creativity, innovation and commitment of its young people.

“We need your creativity and innovation. We need you to be part of the transformation of this country,” Mutfwang said .

THE CONTEXT

The governor’s appeal comes amid a growing wave of emigration, popularly known as “japa,” in which thousands of Nigerians leave the country each year in search of better opportunities in Europe, North America and other parts of the world.

The trend has drained talent from key sectors, including healthcare, education, technology and entertainment.

WHY IT MATTERS

Mutfwang’s message is not a demand that graduates stay in Nigeria regardless of the circumstances. It is a plea for them to consider the role they can play in building the country, even as they pursue opportunities abroad.

For a generation that has grown up amid economic stagnation and insecurity, the appeal may be a hard sell.

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But for Nigeria, the stakes are high. The country cannot afford to lose its brightest minds to the diaspora.The governor has spoken. The graduates have listened.

And the question of whether to stay or go remains one of the most consequential decisions they will ever make. ValidViewNetwork reports.