President Bola Tinubu on Friday made a heartfelt appeal to Nigerian youths, urging them to remain in the country and play an active role in its progress.
Addressing the nation during his fourth Democracy Day speech since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s destiny rests with those who choose to stay and tackle its challenges, rather than those who leave.
He 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.
This message comes amid a rising trend of emigration, known as the “japa” phenomenon, which has seen many young, talented Nigerians—especially in technology, healthcare, and academia—move abroad in search of better opportunities.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of converting Nigeria’s democratic gains into real economic benefits for its citizens, especially the youth. “Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he declared, highlighting initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the National Agricultural Development Fund’s plan to deploy 10,000 tractors over five years, and the certification of over 1,000 SMEs for export, all aimed at expanding opportunities at home.
He further underscored the unique responsibility facing today’s youth. 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.
