Insecurity, hardship not enough reason to run away - CAN president urges Nigerians against 'Japa' syndrome

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has said that running away to other countries is not the solution to the economic hardship, insecurity and other challenges Nigerian is currently facing.

Okoh, who spoke on Wednesday, December 6, in Abuja at the fourth quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), with the theme ‘Restoration of Hope in Nigeria', urged Nigerians, especially the youths, against Japa syndrome.

He noted that despite the several challenges facing the country, Nigerians should not lose hope in the country or resort to emigration.

Okoh reassured Nigerians of hope and opportunities in the country as he cautioned against reckless emigration that exposes them to more danger and inhumane treatment than what they were running from.

He admitted that from insecurity to violence, political tension and economic hardship, Nigeria was facing many challenges that had shaken its unity and stability, but he urged those intending to relocate abroad to do adequate research and ask relevant questions to avoid being trapped.

“Nigerians have endured the strife and extreme difficulties. Unfortunately, those who could not bear the situation migrated to other nations in search of greener pastures, commonly known as ‘japa syndrome’," he said.

“The solution is not in running away to other countries but in finding ways to restore hope of the citizens in our dear country. Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources more than many nations of the world, but we need to get it right on the management of these resources for the good of all."