President Bola Tinubu tells Nigerian youths to remain in the country and contribute to national development rather than emigrating in the “japa” trend, in a message delivered during his Democracy Day address. Tinubu frames Nigeria as youths’ “home and your future,” urging them to “build here, code here, work here, and vote here.” He says major nations are built by people who stay to solve problems, and he argues that democracy should deliver practical economic benefits for young people.
The reports link the speech to continued emigration by skilled Nigerians, particularly in areas such as technology, healthcare, and academia, as they seek better economic opportunities abroad. Tinubu points to government initiatives intended to expand opportunities, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the deployment of 10,000 tractors by the National Agricultural Development Fund over five years, and the certification of more than 1,000 small and medium enterprises for export.
He also describes a broader generational responsibility, referencing the roles of earlier generations in securing independence and democracy, and stating that the current generation must help secure prosperity. The address also covers security, national unity, and ongoing reforms.
