Tinubu Urges Nigerian Youths to Stay, Build Nation, Says “Prosperity Is Our Generation’s Duty” ; Strong Message to Nigerian Youths Amid Japa Wave”

Tinubu Urges Nigerian Youths to Stay, Build Nation, Says “Prosperity Is Our Generation’s Duty” ; Strong Message to Nigerian Youths Amid Japa Wave”.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a passionate appeal to Nigerian youths to resist the growing wave of emigration popularly known as “japa”, urging them instead to remain in the country and actively participate in rebuilding the nation’s economy and democratic future.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Friday his fourth since assuming office in May 2023 the President said Nigeria’s progress depends heavily on the commitment of young people who choose to stay and contribute to solving the country’s challenges rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here,” Tinubu declared. “Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.”

Addressing the “Japa” Wave

His remarks come amid a continued surge in the emigration of young Nigerians, particularly highly skilled professionals in technology, healthcare, engineering, and academia, who are leaving the country in search of better living conditions and career opportunities abroad.

The trend, widely referred to as japa, has raised concerns about brain drain and its long-term impact on Nigeria’s development capacity, especially in critical sectors already facing manpower shortages.

Tinubu, however, insisted that Nigeria still holds vast potential for growth if its citizens commit to building it from within.

“Democracy Must Be Felt in the Pocket”

The President emphasized that democracy must go beyond political freedom and translate into real economic benefits for ordinary Nigerians.

“Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he said, stressing that his administration is working to ensure that governance delivers tangible improvements in living standards, especially for young people.

He highlighted several government initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities and empowering citizens, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, designed to improve access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds.

Tinubu also referenced the National Agricultural Development Fund’s plan to deploy 10,000 tractors over five years to boost food production and modernize agriculture, as well as efforts to support small businesses. According to him, over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have already been certified for export to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in global trade.

A Call to National Responsibility

Tinubu described the current generation of Nigerians as pivotal in shaping the country’s long-term destiny, saying every era has a defining national mission.

“Every generation has a defining responsibility,” he said. “The generation of our founding fathers secured independence. The generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.”

He urged young Nigerians to see themselves not as victims of national challenges, but as active participants in solving them through innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

Looking Ahead

The President’s remarks form part of a broader message aimed at rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s future amid economic pressures, unemployment concerns, and rising migration trends.

While acknowledging the difficulties facing the country, Tinubu maintained that sustained reforms and citizen participation would ultimately unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and secure long-term prosperity.

His message concluded with a strong appeal for unity and resilience, as he called on young Nigerians to remain committed to shaping the country’s democratic and economic transformation from within.