Dalung Urges Nigerian Youths to Stay and Build Their Nation and Reject ‘Japa’ Trend

Solomon Dalung, a former minister of youth and sports development, has cautioned young Nigerians against emigrating to other countries in quest of better opportunities.

Speaking at an event commemorating 2024 International Youth Day, Dalung emphasized that despite the challenges in Nigeria, it remains a place of unparalleled opportunity and freedom, urging young Nigerians to stay, fight, and contribute to the country’s development.

 “I want to discourage every young person who has the instinct to ‘Japa’. I have traveled to over 70 countries around the world and discovered that there is nowhere I can live as comfortably as in Nigeria,” Dalung stated, highlighting the unique advantages of living in Nigeria. 

 He urged the youth to transform their frustrations into positive actions, working together to make the country better. “There is no place better than Nigeria, and Nigeria can work,” he added, advocating for unity among the youth to reclaim and reshape the nation.

 There is a need to be strategic in the quest for power and leadership, asserting that the older generation believes in their potential.

 “All you need to do is reorganize yourselves, come together, and begin to ask reasonable questions to gain access to power and leadership,” he advised. 

“We are also fighting for young people to be allowed to participate in governance so that we can retire and advise you,” Dalung concluded, reinforcing his belief in the power of the Nigerian youth to effect meaningful change.

 He emphasized the importance of youth participation in governance, stating that while the older generation may not have fully realized their dreams, they should not hinder the aspirations of the younger generation.