President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to reconsider emigrating abroad, making a direct appeal for them to remain in the country and play active roles in national development.
He said Nigeria’s progress depends heavily on the commitment of young people who choose to stay and build the nation rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.
The President made the appeal on Friday during his Democracy Day address, marking his fourth since assuming office in May 2023.
He stressed that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its younger population, especially in a time when many are leaving the country in search of better living conditions, a trend popularly referred to as “japa.”
Bola Tinubu said the nation must begin to translate democratic governance into real economic benefits that citizens can feel directly, particularly the youth. He called on young Nigerians to invest their talents locally, especially in technology, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.
In his words, “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.”
He noted that the current generation has a critical responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s destiny. According to him, each generation in the country’s history has played a defining role, from independence to the restoration of democracy.
He further stated, “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.”
Tinubu also pointed to ongoing federal initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young Nigerians. He referenced interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which he said is designed to expand access to higher education, alongside agricultural and small business support programmes intended to boost employment and productivity.