The japa mentality of Nigerians is embarrassing – UK-born actor Wale Ojo

• Wale Ojo revealed his aspirations for Nigeria, stating that even though he spent a lot of years abroad his love for Nigeria has never wavered.
• Ojo emphasised his views on the japa trend in Nigeria, stressing that to him the mentality is embarrassing.

Award-winning actor Wale Ojo has shared his vision for a Nigeria where citizens no longer feel the need to relocate abroad, a phenomenon popularly known as ‘japa’.

In a recent interview with ThisDay, Ojo expressed his unwavering love for Nigeria, despite having spent many years overseas.

Wale Ojo emphasized that his passion for Nigeria has never wavered, and he has always chosen to return to his homeland, despite having opportunities to thrive in other countries.

The actor strongly expressed his disapproval of the ‘japa’ mentality, describing it as “embarrassing” and “unfortunate”.

He believes that Nigeria has so much potential and that its citizens should strive to build a better future at home.

He urges the government to engage with the creative industry, which he believes has a vital role to play in shaping the country’s future.

“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,”

“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,”

“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.’”