The newly elected President of Junior Chambers International,JCI Nigeria, Sandra Efemuaye, has issued a compelling call to Nigerian youth, both at home and in the diaspora, to return to their roots and actively contribute to the nation’s progress.
Efemuaye, who was speaking during the 2023 national convention of JCI, themed “Fostering Youth Participation for National Growth,” highlighted the urgent need to address the concerning trend of brain drain affecting Nigeria.
Efemuaye emphasized the pivotal role the nation’s youth can play in reversing this phenomenon.
She said, “The ‘Japa syndrome’ has been a major problem in various sectors of the economy in the 2024 JCI Nigeria. We are engaging youth to recognize the importance of owning Nigeria as a country.
“We can’t all leave; yes, we agree it gets tiring, but we are wise, and we encourage getting the necessary knowledge, necessary scale, and coming back home to develop Nigeria.”
According to her, going forward, JCI as an organization will be engaging the youth and allowing them to connect with Nigeria. Even when you leave, you still have families here. We still have to come together and make the country work, focusing on positive aspects.
“Your home needs you,” stated Efemuaye.
She firmly believes that the youth can serve as catalysts for transformative change, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s development.
Similarly, Chairman of JCI Nigerian Senate Association, Rotimi Adewole, echoed the sentiments.
Adewole encouraged Nigerian youth to return home and utilize their skills, talents, and innovative ideas to uplift the nation.
He stressed that when young and talented Nigerians devote their efforts to the country’s growth, it significantly accelerates economic progress.
He said, “We have programs like the Ten Outstanding Young Persons, which is an annual program of JCI. It has also been localized in JCI Nigeria. We celebrate heroes within the country, regardless of their membership. The former governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Ogala, are part of this organization.
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He said, “Continue to support us. Youth involvement to continue to help younger persons will reduce mistakes and amplify their growth. Continue to provide opportunities for young people because young people are becoming great leaders that are actually becoming interested in what we are becoming in this country.”
On his part, Former Chairman, JCI, Abdullahi Attairu said, “We have had several times when people say they don’t recognize the organization. We’ve been around for 60 years, and we’ve made too much impact. I believe that our major focus is that we don’t make noise with the impact we make.
“What we do is raise leaders, impact communities, and empower youth socially everywhere we go.”
“What I have for the Nigerian youth is, continue to pray for Nigeria. Yes, we have heard several times that youth are the future of the country, but our time has never come since independence. All I can say is that they should improvise and put the same energy we put when we travel abroad,” he said.
The call to action from JCI Nigeria’s leadership comes as a response to the brain drain phenomenon affecting Nigeria. The organization aims to foster a sense of patriotism and optimism among young Nigerians, both within the country and abroad, with the goal of making Nigeria a better place.
As Nigerian youth receive this resounding call to return and be catalysts for national growth, the nation awaits to witness the potential transformation that their dedication and contributions can bring to Nigeria’s future.”
