Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has advised Nigerians against seeking opportunities abroad, emphasising the wealth of possibilities available within the country.
In an exclusive interview with Arise TV, Amaechi discouraged the trend of mass emigration, often referred to as ‘japa,’ noting that while other countries may offer high-paying jobs, the chances of accessing opportunities are comparatively slim.
Amaechi asserted that Nigeria provides an environment where an ordinary citizen can unexpectedly rise to prominent positions.
He articulated, “I’ve always discouraged those who want to leave the country. I said 9 to 5 life, yes, you can always get 9 to 5 job anywhere outside the country. But you can never get the opportunities we get in Nigeria.
“You can just wake up one day and become a minister in Nigeria. You can just wake up one day and become governor. It just happens. I don’t know how work in other countries operates. But, if you are looking for opportunities, please stay back in Nigeria. If you’re looking for 9 to 5, safety and all that (you can relocate abroad).
“A friend of mine said ‘What is you are waiting for opportunities and get killed?’ Well, that’s your destiny. But opportunities are here,” Amaechi stressed.
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Amaechi, who served as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 and later as the governor from 2007 to 2015, revealed that he has been focusing on personal life since his exit from political office in 2022.
During the period from 2015 to 2022, he served as the Transport Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari and also held the position of Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign.
In 2022, he resigned as the minister to contest the APC presidential primaries, securing the second position behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu.