Japa: Why Nigerian youths shouldn’t run away from the country because of hardship – Fashola

Former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola has called on Nigerian youths to remain in the country and avoid focusing on opportunities abroad, despite the current economic difficulties.

Fashola, who also served as Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, emphasized the need for young people to contribute positively to the country and to help curb the rising trend of emigration.

Speaking on Saturday during the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies at Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Fashola acknowledged the challenges in Nigeria but urged youths to persevere and work toward attaining positions of influence.

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“Why did Mrs Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi, who has contributed to Nigeria, not run away? Why are they still here? Times were equally tough in their younger days, which led to the popular musician Dr. Victor Olaiya’s song Ilu le o, ko s’owo l’ode … in the 60s,” Fashola stated.

He further explained that young people, as emerging leaders within Nigerian society, should embrace the responsibility that comes with leadership and resilience.

“Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University,” he added.

Meanwhile, Michael Ade-Ojo, the founder of Elizade University, expressed his satisfaction with the institution’s progress, noting that its graduates are now competing on a global scale.

Despite limited financial returns on his investment in the university, Ade-Ojo shared his pride in the institution’s contributions to advancing the country’s educational system.