Tinubu to Youth: Stop the ‘Japa’ Exit, Build Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has urged young Nigerians to stop the trend of leaving the country, a practice locally known as “japa.” The Nigerian leader made the appeal in a televised broadcast on Friday, which marked this year’s Democracy Day. “Japa,” a slang term popular among Nigerian youth, refers to the act of emigrating abroad, often in search of better opportunities. The president’s message encouraged citizens to stay and contribute to the nation’s development. The broadcast did not provide specific policies or incentives to discourage emigration. However, Tinubu’s call comes as many young Nigerians cite economic hardship and limited job prospects as reasons for leaving. The Democracy Day speech is an annual tradition in Nigeria, commemorating the return to civilian rule in 1999.