Many nigerian families will never be together again. Not because they don’t want to be- but because they simply can never be together again. First born is in Canada. Second born is in Dubai. Third born is in Australia. Fourth born is in New York. Last born is in UK. Parents are in Nigeria making trips once in a while to see them in the different countries.

They are all getting married and having children who will never really meet or know each other. Their best shot is group video calls which will almost never happen because there’s no convenient regular time that works for everybody due to different global time zones. They’ve all had to travel because Nigeria failed them and they needed to leave to another country where they can have a shot at life and their children won’t suffer what they went through.

This is the high price of japa that you can never put a financial value on that very few people talk about. The destruction of families and the tearing of siblings apart.
This is the silent evil that the incompetent useless godforsaken cursed nigerian govt and its lunatic leaders has done to many nigerian families over the last 10years.

One day we will realise the extent of the damage and the destruction that these unfortunate twins - the Daura buffoon and his best pal, the Iragbiji slowpoke- have done to millions of nigerian families.

Japa is a journey that is worth it, without a doubt. And I will always recommend it. Because it is far better for you to make that journey for your own good and for the sake of your children, rather than stay in a country where its cursed demonic leaders have vowed to destroy the lives of everyone especially young people’s lives.

So, the whole truth is simply letting you know that japa is a journey that is always worth it without a doubt, but it is also a journey that comes with a lot of pain and a high price.

I have a friend who is a twin. They are both nigerian and Igbo.
But today He is American and his twin brother is Canadian.
Because few years ago, to escape the nigerian madness, one emigrated to usa and the other one to canada. This is the high cost of bad governance. How sad.That’s twins of nigerian birth. With different nationalities today.

I know of another man whose children are in usa, Canada and uk. He just got a usa and Canada visa to go visit them. He was awaiting his uk visa- so he could make a trip to all these countries and see the kids. Last week he died of a heart attack in Lagos. The last time he saw his kids was 7years ago.How sad.

@OurFavOnlineDoc



"The impact of “Japa Syndrome” on work and family relationships in Nigeria today." - Michael Fasina 

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in a phenomenon colloquially known as “Japa Syndrome.” The term “Japa” derives from Nigerian slang, meaning to escape or flee, often to seek a perceived better life abroad. While migration is a natural part of human history, the scale and implications of this modern exodus are worth examining. This article delves into the far-reaching effects of the Japa Syndrome on work and family situations in Nigeria. When a considerable lot of the residents need to leave the country, what might this mean coherently?

Considering the endeavours of fellow Nigerian who daily exit their country’s border in large numbers, it would take a great deal of patriotism not to succumb to the temptation of following suit, with the hope of a better life, once the opportunity presents itself.

In the relatively recent past, the Nigerian Monetary Highest Point Gathering projected the joblessness rate in Nigeria to increase to 37 percent in 2023 while the United Kingdom is offering a decent yearly compensation to Nigerians able to relocate there and work as educators.

The immediate consequence is the significant depletion of skilled and semi-skilled labour from various sectors in Nigeria. Industries in healthcare, engineering, information technology, and education are the hardest hit, with the mass exodus of some of the best skilled professionals. Such critical industries have been left to grapple with personnel shortages, hindering progress and development in the quantity and quality of productivity, due to the brain drain impacts.

The prevalence of the Japa Syndrome fosters an “exodus mentality” among Nigerian youths, whose newfound cherished value is finding greener pastures in the global north. Many grow up with dreams of escaping the perceived limitations of their homeland, seeking better opportunities elsewhere. This mentality often leads to a lack of commitment to local projects, as young talents view them as stepping stones rather than long-term investments.

As individuals depart due to the Japa Syndrome this may have a profound impact on family dynamics. The emotional toll on parents, siblings, and extended family members can be immense. Additionally, families are faced with the challenge of adapting to changes in roles and responsibilities, especially when a primary breadwinner leaves.

This can lead to increased stress and strained relationships within the family unit and could also impact mental health significantly due to adjustment and adaptation challenges like loneliness, anxiety and depression. Additionally, there is a rise in empty-nest especially with older parents having to now leave alone with their children in faraway foreign lands. This has reduced the social support and daily interaction for parents and further isolates the already ‘isolated nuclear family’.

While those who have “Japa” may find improved economic opportunities abroad, the financial support they send back home can sometimes foster a culture of dependency. Families left behind may come to rely heavily on remittances, potentially discouraging local economic initiatives and entrepreneurship. This can create a cycle of economic stagnation in communities heavily affected by the “Japa” Syndrome.

The social and cultural impacts of Japa Syndrome has also brought about shifts in societal norms and values, example is a spouse leaving for foreign opportunities which can strain their relationship due to distance, cultural adjustments, and diverging life paths, leading to divorce or marital breakdown due to communication challenges, emotional distance and unmet expectations.

Traditional family structures may be strained, with an increasing number of households headed by single parents or extended family members. Additionally, the loss of skilled professionals can hinder the transmission of cultural practices and indigenous knowledge, potentially eroding the rich tapestry of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Addressing The Japa Syndrome
At this moment, I don’t believe that the Nigerian government has acknowledged how the Japa issue can seriously affect the country. What befalls the nature of strength of the residents? Who and what are supplanting the administrations of medical attendants and specialists who left the country? Many great hands are neglecting the Nigerian dream consistently.

To mitigate the impact of the Japa Syndrome, concerted efforts are required at various levels. Government policies should focus on creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, innovation, and job creation. Additionally, there is a need for targeted programs to retain and attract skilled professionals. Providing opportunities for skill development and career advancement can help stem the tide of emigration.

In conclusion, the Japa Syndrome is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has far-reaching consequences on work environments and family relationships in Nigeria.

As the nation grapples with this modern exodus, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies that address the root causes and provide viable alternatives for the Nigerian youth. By fostering an environment of opportunity and growth, Nigeria can not only retain its valuable talent but also pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/opinion/article/the-impact-of-japa-syndrome-on-work-and-family-relationships-in-nigeria-today/%3famp

I have always thought about this JAPA issue a thousand times. Even cousins now dont know their cousins while aunties and uncles will be a thing of the past. This just remind us that "there is always a price tag" for JAPA, but the final decision lies with us as individuals and as a people.

You sacrifice a lot; family, friends and lover just to give ur offspring the best. We move to countries and societies where the very existence of human life is valued. And the saddest thing is that you lose them at the end of the day and your name is erased from Nigeria (your root).

However, the same can not be said of Nigeria despite the abundant natural resources and potentials at her disposal.Nigeria is just destroying our culture. It is a shame and it bleeds the heart.

A very touching and disturbing write up. Our leaders have destroyed our family settings and culture.

The writer made it seem like this wave is the biggest ever in the history of Nigeria. Well, maybe it is

I just the checked the population Emigration index(World Migration Report)using the U.N data report as the reference and i saw that Nigeria isnt even among the top15 and when u consider the percentage leaving the country, its less than 5% in Nigeria.


Whatever the fear of this writer is, like eroding Cultural identity and "dismantling" Family cohesion are a personal thing thats should be addressed as a family unit and do not pose any threat to us as a people on a larger scale

Writer used some scanty and hard-to-verify instances of his friends to arrive at this conclusion and that renders the whole write-up a fallacy and baseless fear

The second best thing I did in my life was to leave that shithole. My life has improved in all aspects. Healthwise, financially, romantically. The list is endless.

tensazangetsu20:
The second best thing I did in my life was to leave that shithole. My life has improved in all aspects. Healthwise, financially, romantically. The list is endless.

You obviously didnt read the article

Its not an interview session for people to tell us the pros and cons of their past actions, its about the mass impact it could have on families as they tends to scatter across the India ocean with less and lesser possibilities of ever meeting/seeing their relatives again

CyrusVI:


You obviously didnt read the article

Its not an interview session for people to tell us the pros and cons of past actions, its about the mass impact it could have on families as they tends to scatter across the India ocean with less and lesser possibilities of ever meeting/seeing their relatives again

Family will be okay when you can send them money

tensazangetsu20:


Family will be okay when you can send them money

You're still getting it all wrong. Who's talking bout the availability or lack of availability of money? Can't you just read to understand??

Japa is worth it.

Calculate well and remain prayerful

Ultimately everyone wants a better standard of living

Interesting read....

Offpointng:


You're still getting it all wrong. Who's talking bout the availability or lack of availability of money? Can't you just read to understand??

Whats more important than money?

Mtcheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew


Another very useless thread on nairaland front page

First born is in Canada.
Second born is in Dubai.
Third born is in Australia. Fourth born is in New York.
Last born is in UK.
Parents are in Nigeria making trips once in a while to see them in the different countries.

This is the True story of some people's family life

Each Japarian will form a new nucleus wherever they are..
The possibility of new families in those foreign lands to relocate to another country is low they'll thereby rebuild their nucleus in that new found loved country

tensazangetsu20:


Whats more important than money?

pussy

enemyofprogress:
Mtcheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew


Another very useless thread on nairaland front page

Why are you always bitter enemy of progress ?
People dey oooo 👀

Nothing new, people have always migrated for better opportunities and various reasons
Better doing well in different locations than together in abject poverty. Poverty breeds envy, hatred and enmity

I no dey Japa go anywhere.

Nigerian toto is the best

You fit bang white lady with her consent before you know it she will go and report you for rape and they will arrest you without hearing your own side of the story then you will start fighting for your freedom.

If you know say you like toto like me make you just jejely siddon for Nigeria

Scattered abroad

enemyofprogress:
pussy

Very good answer.

Trust me nothing beats a very tight toto

With video calls today and pounds and dollars flowing, who cares? If people are grown ups, it's really not an issue I think cos everyone still has his life. Even in Nigeria, some jobs take family members away from each other for months or even years. I understand it's easier to meet up when everyone is in Naija but with the way naija is, Japa that is done with great planning is worth it for those going and those remaining. Family relationships are also broken beyond repair even in Naija afterall.

Japa

CyrusVI:


You obviously didnt read the article

Its not an interview session for people to tell us the pros and cons of past actions, its about the mass impact it could have on families as they tends to scatter across the India ocean with less and lesser possibilities of ever meeting/seeing their relatives again

I agree there is an impact on family, however another plus side is families outside can help offset some of the issues due to exchange rates, but in the overall goal, it will scatter families to a degree.

Once I get PR, honestly I don't mind shuttling no place like home, just the economic situation na the wahala

Well, I don't exactly agree with you, Op.

The impact is not as bad as you painted it.

The truth is... Family connection will be maintained regardless of location, and disconnection can real even within the same location.

Do you know how many families within the same state in Nigeria who don't talk or see for years on end?!!

post=131701907:

Why are you always bitter enemy of progress ?
People dey oooo 👀

person never chop food wey get pepper since last week Thursday, una dey here dey talk of japa. No be person wey get food for belle dey talk of traveling out. I mtcheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew the thread again

My parents generation are the last set of parents to experience what it means to have your children around you, discuss with them, get together as family during festive periods. Our generation will not have that opportunity. Greater percentage of Nigeria's middle and upper class are preparing their children for life outside Nigeria. You can't quantity the true cost of "japa" to Nigerian families. The failure of the system has destroyed the very fabric of unity, which is the family. Generations of Nigerians born abroad will never get to see the country, understand their native languages, know their cousins and even their kinsmen.