Nigeria will benefit from “Japa” syndrome– Peter Obi

Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, agrees with Bill Gates’ assessment of Nigeria’s “japa” syndrome

According to Obi, “the recent surge of Nigerian professionals leaving the country for greener pastures is good and healthy for our country.”

Obi said on Thursday through his verified Twitter profile that “our brain drain today will be our brain gain tomorrow.”

According to the former Anambra State governor, while Nigerians leaving the country look to be a loss today, their experience and resources would be critical in building a new Nigeria.

He went on to say that if the country starts doing the right things and taking governance more seriously, it will prosper, as it has in China, India, Ireland, and other developing countries.

“I read and agree with Bill Gates’ recent comment on the “japa” syndrome, in which he stated, according to reports, that the recent surge of Nigerian professionals leaving the country for greener pastures is good and healthy for our country,” he wrote.

“I have always preached and maintained this same position on the “Japa wave.” For years, and notably on my travels from Canada, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other countries during the last Presidential election, I have maintained that “our brain drain today will be our brain gain tomorrow.” Nigerians leaving the country may look to be a loss today, but when we start doing the right things and taking our nation’s governance more seriously, their knowledge and resources will be critical in the building of the New Nigeria, as they have been in China, India, Ireland, and other developing countries.

“Today, India takes pride in being one of the countries with the most tech talent in the world, having produced some of the world’s top engineers and computer scientists.” Many of the world’s leading technology businesses are led by CEOs of Indian ancestry. As a result, India’s success in the IT industry may be traced in part to its ability to leverage the skills and resources of Indians in the diaspora for national growth.”

“Nigeria will grow and develop on all fronts as we build the New Nigeria, which prioritise investment in education, health, and small business support, ensures respect for the rule of law, security of lives and property, and nation unity.”

“Then our diasporan Nigerians will return home with their global training, skills, and resources to contribute immeasurably to the building of a New and Better Nigeria.” We shall not give up our dreams for a New Nigeria.”