Adeleke urges NYSC members to avoid the temptation of ‘JAPA’

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged corps members to resist the temptation of leaving the country to avoid the risk of facing hardships abroad.
Addressing corps members at the swearing-in and official opening ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream 2 Orientation Programme at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State, the Governor encouraged them to use their education to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Adeleke, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, also advised the corps members to consider the potential pitfalls of “JAPADA,” a growing trend of Nigerians leaving the country only to face difficulties in their new destinations.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said:
“As young leaders in the making, I charge you to seize the opportunities provided during this orientation course. Discipline, as we all know, is the foundation of success. Be law-abiding, focused, and fully committed to the ideals of the NYSC and our nation. Let your conduct here set the tone for a purposeful and fulfilling service year.
“Dear corps members, I encourage you to be exemplary ambassadors of your families, states, and our great nation, Nigeria. Embrace positive change with an open mind, for growth often lies in adaptability.
“As you interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, I urge you to uphold values of love, tolerance, selflessness, and friendship. Build meaningful relationships that transcend tribal and religious lines. The bonds you form here can foster lifelong unity and strengthen our collective resolve as Nigerians.
“Here in Osun State, we prioritize the welfare and development of our youth. Our administration has rolled out several youth-centric initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting the younger generation.
We remain committed to fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Through these efforts, we are equipping the youth with tools to succeed in today’s competitive world, ensuring Osun remains a beacon of progress and development.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Osun State, I assure you of our unwavering support throughout your service year. We are dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and conducive environment for you to serve, learn, and thrive.
“Permit me to appeal to the young generation of Nigerians to take note of the new trend of ‘JAPADA.’ The allure of ‘JAPA’ has faded, and the reality of ‘JAPADA’ is now gripping the migration space. Many new migrants are hurriedly returning home. Many who cannot return are stuck in diaspora misery.
“As educated individuals, we have a duty to study developments across Europe and North America. We must be aware of the tough times facing new migrants abroad and avoid falling victim to traffickers and syndicates. Now is the time to strive for success here at home.
“I implore you all to leverage your education to provide solutions to the many problems facing our society. You must adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to succeed locally.
“Start small, and with determination, you can thrive in no time. Let us rise above the ‘JAPA’ syndrome to avoid the increasingly harsh realities of ‘JAPADA.'”