Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has highlighted that the federal government is working to ensure an enabling environment for youths and to curb the ‘japa syndrome’.
Addressing reporters in Abuja, Mr. Olawande,Minister of State for Youth Development, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities within Nigeria that would dissuade youths from seeking greener pastures abroad.
“Bola Tiunbu is working to ensure an enabling environment so that people that Japa will come back and live a normal life.
“Japa syndrome is good only when people invest in something and then come back to the country to develop and create employment.”
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According to the minister, the government is working toward providing an enabling environment where Nigerians will be engaged in one thing or the other.
“The ‘japa syndrome’ can be positive if individuals invest in themselves and return to the country to make meaningful contributions,” Mr. Olawande remarked, stressing the need for an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship and job creation.
The Minister outlined the government’s initiatives to engage Nigerians, particularly the youth, in various productive endeavours, thereby reducing the allure of migrating overseas.
Additionally, the minister highlighted plans to facilitate knowledge exchange by supporting travel opportunities for skill enhancement and subsequent impact within the country.
Commenting on the issue, Father Moses Jimbili of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama urged the government to prioritize youth empowerment to deter emigration.
He suggested providing financial support such as loans and grants to encourage entrepreneurship and address security challenges.
“But they must understand that life is not as rosy out there as we imagine. Your country is your country,” he said.
Also, lawyer Daniel Agada proposed practical measures such as simplifying business registration processes, offering tax incentives to startups, and providing interest-free loans to bolster small-scale enterprises.
He said, “The government should ensure that the process for registration of businesses is easy, automated, seamless and user-friendly.
“Ensure that business start-ups and all small and medium-scale enterprises or businesses get tax holidays, waivers and exemptions for the first few years of operation to enable them to stand on their feet.
“Ensure it gives interest-free loans and grants to small-scale businesses to enable them to compete favourably with bigger or well-established businesses.”
Callistus Ikwuazom, a lecturer at FUT Minna, emphasized the pivotal role of government in nurturing an environment conducive to youth development.
He advocated for investments in education, vocational training, and mentorship to empower young Nigerians to explore diverse entrepreneurial opportunities domestically.
He said, “In combating the ‘Japa Syndrome’ and endorsing alternative entrepreneurial path, it’s essential for the government to extend support through resources and programmes that focus on entrepreneurship and skill enhancement.
“Investment in education, hands-on training, and mentorship can empower the youth to venture into diverse business realms and seek investment avenues domestically.”
In conclusion, Mr. Ikwuazom encouraged the younger generation to embrace a proactive approach towards national development, recognizing the potential for growth and innovation within Nigeria’s borders.
“Young individuals should capitalise on their abilities, interests, and enthusiasm to drive communal and national progress.”
(NAN)