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Japa syndrome: Reps vote against anti-migration motion
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, unanimously voted against a motion seeking to make the Federal Government address the issues causing Nigerian professionals to migrate to other countries en masse, in search of greener pastures.
A new member of the House, Philip Agbese, had moved a motion titled ‘Need to Declare Emigration of Young Nigerians Abroad A.K.A Japa Syndrome a National Emergency,’ urging the government to “convene a national summit with key stakeholders to effectively address the ‘Japa Syndrome.’
The phenomenon is popularly known as ‘Japa,’ a Yoruba word that simply means to go away from a problem or trouble.
Agbese also prayed the House to “declare a state of Emergency on the factors that predispose young Nigerians to give up on Nigeria in preference for other nations.”
The lawmaker cited statistics from the Nigerian Economic Summit, which says a growing number of young Nigerians are relocating abroad. He also said recent reports by the African Polling Institute indicate that 69 per cent of young people would opt to relocate abroad if given the chance or if the opportunity presents itself.
He added that there is a 40 per cent increase in the number of young Nigerians leaving the nation, compared to the number captured in 2019, as the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reported that international emigration from Nigeria in 2020 total 1.7million, which is a substantial increase from 990,000 in 2010.
Agbese said, “The House is concerned that the growing statistics of young Nigerians leaving Nigeria and securing permanent residence in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada portends a grave danger for our nation in many ways from economic to intellectual and social aspects.
“The House is also concerned that the Nigerian population is made of two-thirds of persons under the age of 30 and a good number of these persons are already afflicted with what today is acceptably referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ as estimates indicate a staggering tens of thousands have relocated to the USA, Canada, South Africa and, even, Gambia over the last two years;
“The House is worried that the eagerness to migrate to countries that offer hope seems to have a compelling influence. The House is also worried that those leaving Nigeria are not just the poor but middle class who possess skills/workforce, including bankers, lecturers, health care practitioners, doctors, nurses, and trained manpower, all of whom were trained in Nigeria and emigrating at a time when their services are needed to build a strong and vibrant economy in Nigeria.
“The House is disturbed that if this scenario continues with our able minds, brains and skilled personnel leaving, Nigeria may fall into a grave crisis in our critical sectors from education to healthcare, thereby making a bad situation worse.”
The lawmaker pointed out that the young population remains one of our greatest assets. “Though the prospects of a growing Nigerians in the Diaspora could be beneficial in a way, it should not be at the expense of our needed manpower,” he added, stressing that it bothers on national pride “when our young bright minds leave the country in droves, conveying an impression that ‘Nigeria is a sinking ship that everyone is rushing to get out of.’”
Agbese also stated that life-changing decisions, whether to stay in one’s country or emigrate, should not be anchored on challenges ranging from insecurity to poor health sector, poor educational system and poor economy, among others.
However, after a ranking member of the House, Dennis Idahosa, seconded the motion, another ranking member, Sada Soli, raised a constitutional point of order to say that the motion would infringe on the fundamental rights of Nigerians if adopted by the chamber.
Soli said, “Chapter 4 of the Constitution is talking about the fundamental rights; and go to Section 35 talking about the personal liberty of an individual. This motion, as it is, looks nationalistic but it contravenes the provisions of the Constitution.
“It is the liberty of a Nigerian if he is qualified and he is normal, and he has all the granted right of movement (to) anywhere he wants. It is the right of a Nigerian if he has the right qualifications, to go anywhere to source for a living. The Constitution of Nigeria allows even dual citizenship, talk less of moving somewhere to earn a living. If we allow this motion on this floor, it contravenes the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Opposing Soli, another ranking member of the House, Ahmad Jaha, argued that the motion was more about the factors causing mass exodus from Nigeria and not a restriction of exit from the country. He urged the lawmakers to “be mindful of the prayers of the motion before killing it.”
Jaha partly said, “The mover of the motion is not praying that everybody should be stopped from going abroad. We should take this into consideration. But it is advising because we have to tell each other the truth; the factors enumerated, which are the actual factors or reasons behind people leaving this country to seek greener pastures somewhere (else).
“What he is trying to say in a nutshell is that the international community has identified the reasons why Nigerians are compelled to go outside the country. What he is saying now is ‘let there be a national summit so that all these factors will be given priority, so that at the end of the day Nigerians will be discouraged from going abroad. So, as far as I am concerned, this motion is apt and it should be considered.”
The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Wase, said “As good as the motion may be, first the fundamental issue raised in the Constitution; no law, including our motions and bills…if you go to Section 1(3) of the Constitution, it says any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution to the extent of that inconsistency is best null and void. So, as far as I am concerned, we have to rule on the point of order (raised by Soli) before we can proceed, otherwise, we will be contributing to the contravention of our own constitution.”
When the Speaker eventually put adoption of the motion to voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously voted against it.
The Department of State Service (DSS) has raised a fresh tension as it revealed an imminent terrorist attack in some communities in Kogi and Ondo states, which was planned by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to Legit.
The secret police police the plan of the terrorist group in a secret memo, which was dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure.
Vanguard reported that the DSS explained that credible intelligence has confirmed the plan of the terrorist group, which was to launch coordinated assaults in several communities in the two states.
Ondo communities ISWAP plans to attack
The memo was signed by the director of security of the DSS Ondo State Command and listed Oyin Akoko and Eriti Akoko in the Akoko North local government area of Ondo and Owo town in the Owo local government area, saying those are the potential targets of ISWAP.
According to the secret police, the terrorist group has started surveillance on soft targets in the mentioned areas and called on the military to heighten its security operations to stop any impending attack. The secret police urged the military to scale up the level of security in the areas to protect lives and property.
This security alert came three years after the killing of over 40 worshippers in June 2022 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state, by some suspected ISWAP members. The killings happened during a morning service.
The Owo attack was one of the significant killings of the terrorist group, as it happened outside the region where ISWAP and other groups have dominated, the northeast. It shook the country and has continued to raise tension in the southwest.
When terrorists gained prominence in Nigeria
Since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the activities of the terrorists have spread across northern Nigeria, beyond the wall of the north-east, where it started with banditry and kidnapping in the north-west and north-central.
The menace continued in the eight years of Buhari’s administration, and the current president, Bola Tinubu, has also inherited the challenges. One major problem caused by the insurgency was food security, as most of the foods in the country are produced in the north, and farmers have been unable to access their farms for over a decade.
Legit.ng
Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON, the 15th and current vice president of Nigeria, served as senator for Borno Central from 2019 to 2023, and as the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019.
Shettima possesses a remarkable level of intelligence, which is highly regarded, much like the vast population of citizens in Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima temporarily handed over his office to 14-year-old Joy Ogah, a passionate advocate for girl-child education, for a symbolic one-day tenure on Monday.
This move highlights the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing education and empowerment, especially for girls.
As the ceremonial Vice President, Ogah delivered a compelling address, calling for inclusive education, protection of girls’ rights, and improved school amenities like sanitation and nutrition.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she declared, captivating her audience. She added, “I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”
Before passing the torch, Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to girl-child education, citing initiatives like the school feeding program.
He also lauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a champion of female empowerment, noting her impactful contributions to girl-child education debates during her time in the Nigerian Senate.
The event occurred during a meeting with a PLAN International delegation, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, focused on advancing girl-child education in Nigeria.
The organization has supported over 11 million Nigerian children through interventions in education and entrepreneurship.
Ogah’s brief tenure as Vice President sent a resounding message, urging leaders and citizens to prioritize sustained investment in girl-child education for a brighter, more equitable future.
Full List of Military Coups in Nigeria and Names of Persons Who Were Behind Them
It is no longer news that things have fallen apart between the distinguished 64-year-old Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ned Nwoko, and his heartthrob, Regina Daniels, due to allegations of domestic violence and drug abuse.
Regina had accused her husband, Senator Nwoko, of domestic violence in a video making the rounds, an allegation he already countered.
In 2021, there were allegations that Regina Daniels was using Jaruma’s product, ‘Kayamata’, on her husband, Ned Nwoko, and his former wife, Laila Charani. Rumors circulated online suggesting that Regina expressed her affection solely for Ned and not for his co-wives. Some claims even suggested that Regina had enchanted Laila, who had recently divorced Ned.
Following the recent marital scandal involving the couple, Regina has faced a wave of criticism regarding her association with the Kayamata product, which has brought attention back to this incident.
Meanwhile, on November 3, 2021, as reported by Daily Post, an online publication, the popular Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels has denied allegations that she used Jaruma’s Kayamata product to secure her marriage to billionaire, Ned Nwoko.
Regina in a post on her Instagram page said she has never used Kayamata and was only told by Jaruma to influence the product.
In a statement on her Instagram, the mother of one called out Jaruma for trying to mislead the public.
Sharing a post where someone said she used Kayamata to secure her husband, Ned Nwoko, Regina said she was only contracted to raise awareness for the Jaruma Brand and she has and will never use Kayanmata products.
Her post reads, “This is for clarity sake here, I have and will never use any kayamata product. Jaruma paid me to help make random posts for her. I personally gave my terms concerning the kind of posts to be made, I was very mindful with my choice of words so as not to mislead the public, I was simply creating awareness for her brand and along the line, we became friends.
“I was warned severally to keep her at arms length and mind my association with her but it is not in my nature to judge a person from another’s perspective but in her case I should have known better. She constantly uses every opportunity to create contents to profit off my person and my brand even after our payment deal expired.
“I tolerated this because I believed I understood her person and felt I should give her the benefit of doubt and maintain a cordial friendship. But this time, I will not tolerate Jaruma using this issue that practically portrays me as a bad person for her selfish desires knowing fully well, that I have NEVER AND WILL NEVER USE whatever she sells as I have no reason to.
“And this is a notice to my fans and the general public, I and my brand As Regina Daniels has no business/association with Jaruma and her products, Thank you.”
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will on Tuesday depart for Germany on an official working visit aimed at strengthening the state’s partnership with construction giant Julius Berger, according to the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.
Aniagwu, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Asaba, said the Governor would be accompanied by himself and the Technical Assistant to the Governor.
Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary ( CPS) to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Aniagwu explained that the visit was strictly a working mission designed to deepen technical collaboration and secure more favourable project terms for Delta State.
“The purpose of this visit is to strengthen our ongoing partnership with Julius Berger. His Excellency is known for his negotiation skills, and this trip will help us secure better deals and concessions that will benefit the state,” Aniagwu added.
He emphasized that the visit was not for leisure, but rather part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance project delivery and cost efficiency.
Recalling the state’s previous engagement with China, Aniagwu noted that it led to the award of major contracts, including the ₦59 billion Agbor flyover and the ₦39 billion Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli flyover on the Warri–Patani Expressway.
The Commissioner also announced that the forthcoming 2026 budget, estimated at ₦1.5 trillion, would prioritize capital projects, social welfare, and infrastructure expansion.
He said: “Following the approval of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, ministries are fine-tuning their submissions before presentation to the State Executive Council”.
Aniagwu added that the Governor had directed that all upcoming empowerment programmes, scheduled to begin next month, must be transparent and inclusive across all 25 local government areas.
He said key ministries and agencies would coordinate the initiative to create sustainable livelihoods and boost productivity.
According to him, the state would, in the coming weeks, perform several groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects worth billions of naira, including the Otovwodo Junction Flyover, underscoring the government’s determination to sustain momentum in infrastructure development.
He assured that Governor Oborevwori’s administration would not allow political timelines to slow governance, insisting that contractors had been instructed to maintain steady progress on all ongoing projects.
News
BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Powerful Lawyer Arrested; What Happened to Sowore, Details Emerge
Tension heightened in Abuja as security forces arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, as reported by Legit.
The demonstration, which was meant to be peaceful, quickly descended into chaos as gunshots rang out and people fled in panic.
According Legit, the police attacked peaceful demonstrators demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sowore, who confirmed the arrests in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“The @PoliceNG team deployed to brutalise #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, @AloyEjimakor, alongside innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT Command. The police must release them immediately!”
Protest disrupted with teargas and live bullets
Eyewitnesses reported that police operatives used live ammunition and teargas to disperse protesters around the Maitama and Central Business District areas.
Commuters were caught in the crossfire, with traffic grinding to a halt as major roads were blocked. Several videos shared online showed demonstrators running for safety as security operatives fired sporadically into the air, Daily Trust reported.
Court order bars protests near key government buildings
Ahead of the protest, police authorities had warned that certain areas within Abuja were “no-protest zones,” citing a Federal High Court order.
Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the order prohibited rallies around sensitive government locations, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law. All groups, whether for or against Kanu’s continued detention, must comply with the subsisting court order,” Hundeyin stated.
Meanwhile, Sowore, a popular Nigerian human rights activist, who organized the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, was captured in a viral video running for his life when security operatives allegedly fired shots and tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Stakeholders antagonizing the protest have been mocking the activist for taking cover during the shooting.
But Shehu Sani, in a Facebook post, said it was a wise decision, stressing that it was not an act of cowardice.
He wrote, “Running away during protest is not an act of cowardice. It’s a strategy to dodge the bullet or the tear gas in order to fight another day.
“Facing an armed Police man on the 20th day of the month after his last salary requires some form of caution. Comrade Sowore is bravely wise.”
New information has come to light regarding the recent visit of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a prominent Niger Delta activist and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, to former President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Otuoke, in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Friday.
The discussions centered decisively on the 2027 presidential election, where Jonathan is expected to challenge President Bola Tinubu robustly.
He was accompanied by the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Joshua Maciver, and the the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, among others.
Jonathan told newsmen that he invited Tompolo over because of complaints by some people and to also discuss the sustenance of the peace in the Niger Delta region.
He said: “Since I left office, we have not seen. Tompolo is one young man that played key role in the unity of our people, but today’s visit, you know he is been handling this security issue in the Niger Delta and I remember as Vice president, I visited his camp to bring peace to the Niger Delta, and there are issues that people are complaining about, so I decided to call him so that we can have conversations along those lines. So that people will be carried along to make sure that the Niger Delta continues to be peaceful. That is why he came to see me.
“So I appreciate his visit, because he is somebody we appreciate. He has contributed significantly to the peace in the Niger Delta and the security of the oil installations.”
Tompolo has been indirectly involved in the forthcoming presidential election, which Jonathan is speculated to be considering.
An ally of Jonathan while in office, Tompolo is now seen to be aligning with President Bola Tinubu.
Recently, he was seen in a viral video encouraging Nigerians to vote for Tinubu in 2027.
Earlier in June, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, the Protem National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, had announced Tompolo as the group’s grand patron, saying they aim to gather 10 million votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Recently, Tompolo was seen in a viral video encouraging Nigerians to vote for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 elections, because, according to him, the president has done well.
In June, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, the Protem National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, had announced Tompolo as the group’s grand patron, saying they aim to gather 10 million votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Despite Jonathan’s disclosure of the discussion with Tompolo and the reason for their meeting, there are unconfirmed reports that he came to persuade Jonathan against contesting in 2027.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that a prominent Niger Delta activist recently spoke with the former president about the upcoming 2027 election.
During their conversation, the activist encouraged him not to heed the calls from those urging him to challenge President Tinubu in the election. Instead, he advised Jonathan to avoid running and to focus on being a respected elder statesman both within Nigeria and beyond.
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