- He urged Nigerians to work towards restoring faith in the country’s future
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has voiced concerns over the increasing exodus of young, talented Nigerians, describing it as a “dangerous loss of hope” for the nation.
Speaking at the launch of the Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) in Abuja, Jega highlighted Nigeria’s current challenges, including its reputation as the global poverty capital and the rising “Japa” phenomenon — the migration of skilled young people. He urged Nigerians to work towards restoring faith in the country’s future.
“The country’s current struggles symbolise a dangerous loss of hope,” Jega said, adding that Nigeria once served as a beacon of hope for Africa and Black communities globally during its post-independence era.
He called for a rejection of claims that Nigeria is a failed state, advocating for reforms to strengthen national unity and governance systems.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also stressed the need for fulfilled promises to citizens, emphasising the importance of leadership rooted in action. Represented by Lanre Isa Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Idris called for leadership that truly reflects commitments made to Nigerians.
URNI Patron Hassan Tukur echoed the call for leadership grounded in character and competence, urging a return to values that unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines.
The event underscored the need for strong leadership to address Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges, including job creation, resource mobilisation, and national unity.