- This is even as he implored Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful amid the crippling economic downturn and deepening security crisis.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Nigeria’s numerous challenges will not be overcome if Nigerians keep leaving the country in drove for greener pastures and better lease of lives in foreign lands.
This is even as he implored Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful amid the crippling economic downturn and deepening security crisis.
He expressed optimism the daunting challenges the country is facing are surmountable.
He spoke at the weekend in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, during the commissioning of the Soybean Plant and Refinery of the CSS Group, and birthday celebration of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).
Jonathan said the countries Nigerians have been running to, were built by people, hence the need to stop the “Japa” trend.
He said, “You don’t need to Japa. Those countries you are running to were built by people. We must build this country together, and invest in it so that the youths can get jobs. We must not run away from our responsibilities. This country belongs to all of us, and we must not abandon it.”
Similarly, Bayelsa State governor, Duoye Diri, said, “There is hope in Nigeria. So those who want to Japa, please, don’t Japa. Nigeria is a blessed country. If we all key into what the private sector is doing, no one will Japa.”
The event was attended by former President of Sierra-Leon, Ernest Bai Koroma; Bayelsa State governor, Duoye Diri; former governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade; former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen and Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by his deputy, among many others.