As I sit here, pondering the state of our nation with mixed emotions, sadness, frustration, and concern, my mind wanders to the countless Nigerians in the diaspora who’ve made a home elsewhere.
These Nigerians are vibrant, talented, and full of potential, but they are not coming back to their country. Nigeria, once a beacon of hope and opportunity, has lost its most precious asset; its young population.
The brain drain is real, and it’s not just about numbers; it’s about the potential, energy, and dreams that have been lost. I remember the days when Nigeria attracted people from all over the world with its rich resources, vibrant culture, and resilient people. But today, our story is different.
Our youths are fleeing our shores in search of greener pastures, and those who have made it abroad are hesitant to come home.
The recent death of Sommie Maduagwu, a result of an armed robbery attack in Abuja, is a stark reminder of the countless challenges our Nation faces. Sommie, a young, brilliant, and vibrant Arise TV anchor, lawyer, and former beauty queen, had the opportunity to stay abroad and build a life, but she chose to return home to make an impact.
Her decision was driven by a deep-seated passion to make a difference in the lives of her people. But her life was brutally cut short, and her dreams, like many others, were left unfulfilled.
Sommie’s story is a testament to the countless Sommie’s out there who have been failed by our system. The Nigerian diaspora is replete with talented individuals who have braved the challenges of foreign lands to acquire skills and expertise.
However, many of them are hesitant to return home due to the challenges our Nation faces. I’ve had the privilege of interacting with some of these talented individuals, and the pain of their losses is palpable.
They’re torn between their love for their motherland and the harsh realities that awaits them if they decide to return home. Many have chosen to stay abroad, not because they are not patriotic, but because they want to live a life, free from fear and uncertainty.
Our leaders promised a renewed hope, but it seems more like a slogan. Where is the hope when our youths are fleeing in droves? Where is the hope when our businesses are struggling to survive? Where is the hope when our citizens are being killed in broad daylight?
In this light, we need to tackle the challenges we face as a Nation. Insecurity, in all its forms, has become a constant companion to Nigerians. Kidnappings, killings, banditry, and terrorism have become all too common, making it difficult for businesses to thrive and for citizens to live without fear.
The economy is another significant deterrent, with unfavorable policies and unpredictable business conditions making it challenging for investors to thrive.
Then, there is the power crisis, which has plagued our Nation for decades. It is another obstacle that hinders economic growth and development.
Limited access to quality healthcare, and lack of reliable health care systems are also a major deterrent to the people in the diaspora. What of the corruption menace? It has become the order of the day, closely followed by extortion and artificial entry barriers.
Similarly, lack of accountability and trampling on the rule of law have become common place such that the common man daily gasps from the evil effect of gross injustice in the system.
A Call to Action:
So, what can we do to reverse “Japa” syndrome and encourage our diaspora community to return home? We must create an environment that is conducive for them to thrive. An environment where they can live, work, and enjoy without fear or uncertainty. An environment where their investments are secure, and their contributions are valued.
As we navigate the Diaspora Dilemma, where home has become a foreign land, I urge our leaders and citizens to take immediate action. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our Nation to reclaim Nigeria’s lost potential.
To our leaders and policymakers, the following suggestions are very important. We must start by prioritising security and take concrete steps to address the challenges. Our youths deserve to live without fear of persecution or harm.
The need to reform unfavorable policies, including the new tax laws cannot be overemphasized. We must create a conducive business environment that attracts investors and supports entrepreneurship.
The Nigerian government has initiated programs like NIDCOM and Diaspora National Housing Fund Mortgage to encourage investment. More needs to be done to ensure a welcoming environment for our youths/citizens to return home.
Government needs to Invest in quality healthcare and ensure citizens have access to quality healthcare. It doesn’t make sense for those in diaspora to return home and die from a preventative disease. They should not be burdened with exorbitant medical bills.
Constant power supply is a fundamental necessity for economic growth and development. Let’s invest in it to provide uninterrupted power supply to our citizens and their businesses.
Policies that support our youth and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, and ensure our youths have access to job opportunities that can absorb the teeming population must be embarked on vigorously.
Government and the private sector must invest in education and demand better funding and infrastructure in this critical sector. The resources to equip our youths with the skills they need to succeed must be provided without resort to political consideration.
To the citizens, as we urge our leaders to take action, we must also acknowledge our role(s) as citizens in shaping the future of our nation. It’s time for us to take ownership of our collective destiny. Let’s take responsibility and work together to build a better Nigeria. Stop extortion and corruption.
It’s not out of place to demand accountability from our leaders and hold them responsible for their actions. We must endeavor to be selfless and put the interests of our Nation first above our personal interests.
While we seek to invest in our communities and promote economic growth, it’s likewise vital to foster unity and work towards a common goal of building a united, prosperous, and peaceful nation.
We must also empower ourselves with the right knowledge, skills, and innovation that can help us compete in the global economy. Let’s learn to innovate and create businesses that can drive economic growth and development, while striving to stay informed about current events, policies, and trends that affect our Nation.
To our youths in the diaspora, WE NEED YOU! We need your skills, expertise, and passion. We know that many of you have built successful lives abroad, but we also know that you haven’t forgotten your roots. We urge you to consider coming home, to bring your talents and ideas to bear on our Nation’s development.
I recall the RENEWED HOPE promise from our leaders, and I urge them to deliver. The time for CHANGE is now.
Together, we can make a difference and reclaim Nigeria’s lost potential. Let’s work together to build a Nation that’s worthy of our youths’ talents and expertise. A Nation where they can live, work, and thrive without fear or uncertainty.
To Sommie and her likes who have lost their lives in the struggle, your legacy will forever live on, and we will continue to fight and work towards building the Nigeria you deserve.
By Boma Lilian Braide.
