Nigerian actor Wale Ojo has openly criticized the ‘japa’ mentality, describing it as embarrassing.
Ojo in an interview with ThisDay highlighted his unwavering love for Nigeria despite having spent many years abroad and shared his aspirations for the country.
“I have a lot of aspirations. Over the years it would have been extremely easy for me not to come to Nigeria at all. I could easily have stayed in the United States or United Kingdom, or Germany, or even Russia. And I know I would have been okay doing what I do there. But I love Nigeria, and I will always love Nigeria no matter what,” Ojo said.
Ojo expressed his disdain for the growing trend among Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad, a phenomenon popularly known as ‘japa’. He emphasized his belief that this mentality is unfortunate and embarrassing.
“And I have a lot of visions for Nigeria. And that vision is one that encompasses a country where everybody doesn’t want to ‘japa’. The ‘japa’ mentality I think is embarrassing. I think it’s unfortunate, you know where doctors think they go and do their stuff elsewhere and whereas when I go to the United States or go anywhere, Nigerians are applauded for their ingenuity,” he explained.
Despite Nigeria’s numerous challenges, Ojo underscored his commitment to being part of the solution rather than merely discussing the problems.
He believes that his efforts, along with those of like-minded individuals in the creative industry, can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
“When you will come home there are many problems, I want to be a part of the solution; I don’t want to be talking about the problem I want to be a part of the solution. I put a lot of things in place to bear the solution if the government wants to engage with the creative industry they need to come and talk to people like us because we have a vision for the country; we don’t do ‘follow-follow,’” Ojo stated.
