The Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), an organization empowering Nigerian youths to become impactful, resourceful and independent, recently collaborated with Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Old Students Association (MORCOSA), on a virtual National Youth Empowerment Programme, tagged “Japa Dilemma Vs. Nigerian Survival Culture”, – where Nigerian youths across the globe unearthed some of the challenges, opportunities, and demerits between Nigerians in the diaspora and Nigerians at home.
The virtual summit, held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, witnessed the gathering of Nigerian youths in a cross-continental dialogue that explored migration, systemic failure, and youth-driven transformation. The youths dissected the most defining questions of their generation: To Japa or to Join Hands?
The high-level summit brought together thought leaders, professionals, and youths from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Dr. Lawson Obazenu, CEO of Resourceful Youth Network Initiative, set the tone by emphasizing the urgency of youth involvement in Nigeria’s future. According to him, the summit is not just about debating the Japa syndrome, but also about empowering our generation to think critically, act boldly, and lead responsibly—whether within Nigeria or from the diaspora. “We must begin to build the Nigeria we want”, Dr. Obazenu stated.
Uzum Emmanuel, National President of MORCOSA who highlighted the summit’s purpose stated that as Nigerians, we must believe in the capacity of young Nigerians to change the course of this nation. “This platform is not for lamentation, but for solution-driven dialogue”, Mr. Uzum reiterated.
Moderated by Dr. Lawson Obazenu, the event featured ten panelists—five based in Nigeria, and five in the diaspora who shared deeply their personal reflections. While most of the youths blamed systemic failures for the JAPA syndrome, others opined that a deliberate attempt is required to build together the Nigeria we all desire.
Although, the diasporan panelists insisted that life abroad offers structure, stability, dignity, and safety, their Nigerian counterparts countered powerfully that “In Nigeria, if you think outside the box and hustle smart, you make it faster, as Impact is quicker and you can be your own system. They argued that chaos is the currency in Nigeria, and those who master it become kings.
Engr. Donald Umunna, a UK-based energy consultant, summarized the dilemma poignantly: “It’s not like we have completely left—one leg in, one leg out. If economic, political, and security issues are addressed, we would move back to base”, he stated.
Amb. Ogagaoghene Ogheneyolega, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Government on Talent Development delivered one of the most heartfelt perspectives on the issue. “Yes, there are systemic failures, but I still believe there is hope in Nigeria. It is actually easier to make it here than abroad, if you are focused and determined,” he stated. He further urged Nigerian youths to stop waiting for the perfect conditions and start building their future.
Still, on both sides, there was agreement: the real enemy is not those who leave or stay. It’s the systems that push them out—or hold them down.
Whether in Lagos or London, Port-Harcourt, USA or Canada, the message is the same: The time to build Nigeria is now. Together.
Japa may be the symptom, but the solution lies in our hands.
In the end, all youths are urged to Build. Lead. Empower.