The presidency has cautioned Nigerians seeking to leave the country (popularly referred to as ‘Japa’) not to wish the nation evil.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, gave the warning while speaking during The Covenant Nation’s non-political and non-partisan national development fair, known as The Platform.
He maintained that that strong institutions and investments in manpower are key to building a great country, adding that the country’s youth are its biggest asset.
“There is nothing wrong in leaving, don’t get me wrong. But if you leave, don’t wish the rest of us bad,” Oyedele said.
“And while you are here and continue to be here, don’t wish us evil. If you have citizens, who are actively working against their country, there is no amount of prayers you will pray, that country will not succeed.
“Even if you are planning to leave, just remember, there are 95 per cent of us who cannot go anywhere.”
While noting the importance of patriotism, he said no foreigner can develop Nigeria.
“All the countries that were developed were developed by their people,” he added.
He argued that strong institutions and investments in manpower are key to building a great country, adding that governments must, at all levels, pay attention to these areas.
Oyedele urged them to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying that way, people would not be eager to leave the country.
