Award-winning actor Wale Ojo recently discussed his hopes for a Nigeria where citizens no longer feel the urge to relocate abroad, a trend commonly referred to as ‘japa’.
During an interview with ThisDay, Ojo reiterated his deep affection for Nigeria, despite spending numerous years living overseas.
Ojo stressed that his love for Nigeria remains steadfast, and he has consistently opted to come back to his homeland, even when presented with opportunities to excel in other nations.
The actor strongly criticized the ‘japa’ mindset, labeling it as “shameful” and “regrettable”.
He firmly believes in Nigeria’s immense potential and encourages its citizens to work towards creating a brighter future within the country.
Ojo also calls upon the government to collaborate with the creative industry, which he views as a crucial player in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He stated:
“I have a lot of aspirations. Over the years it would have been extremely easy for me not to come to Nigeria at all. I could easily have stayed in the United States, or United Kingdom, or Germany or even Russia. And I know I would have been okay doing what I do there. But I love Nigeria, and I will always love Nigeria no matter what,”
“And I have a lot of visions for Nigeria. And that vision is one that encompasses a country where everybody doesn’t want to ‘japa’. The ‘japa’ mentality I think is embarrassing. I think it’s unfortunate, you know where doctors think they go and do their stuff elsewhere and whereas when I go to the United States or go anywhere, Nigerians are applauded for their ingenuity,”
“When you will come home there are many problems, I want to be a part of the solution; I don’t want to be talking about the problem I want to be a part of the solution. I put a lot of things in place to bear the solution if the government wants to engage with the creative industry they need to come and talk to people like us because we have a vision for the country; we don’t do ‘follow-follow.’”
In other news, Cynthia Amadi, a former Nollywood actress, has made an assertion regarding Nigerians who travel overseas. This is as she revealed the odd jobs she did to survive abroad.
She stated that most Nigerians who migrate overseas in search of better pastures do so with the expectation that everything will be OK and that they have specific career choices.
Amadi remarked this during a session with media personality Daddy Freeze in response to a recent video in which someone described living overseas as challenging.
She stated that if an ordinary Nigerian were asked to do the same occupations she did upon her arrival in the United States of America, they would decline.
According to her, although she now works for a Fortune 500 firm, it was not an easy journey because she had to cope with bigotry and demeaning employment.
She mentioned many occupations, including Uber driving and caring for elderly immigrants.
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