Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, recently shared insights into his stance on dissuading young Nigerians from relocating abroad.
Speaking out against the prevalent trend of mass emigration among the youth, commonly known as "Japa," Amaechi urged them to consider staying in Nigeria. Instead of opting for a conventional 9-to-5 job abroad, he encouraged the youth to explore opportunities in the political sphere within the country.
The Former Minister of Transportation acknowledged that leaving the country might provide individuals with conventional 9-to-5 jobs but emphasized that staying in Nigeria could lead to unexpected political opportunities.
He cited examples of waking up one day and finding oneself in a ministerial or gubernatorial position, asserting that such prospects may not be readily available in foreign countries.
In his words;
“I have always discouraged people who want to leave the country. I say 9-5 is the job you can get. You may not get the opportunity we get in Nigeria. You can just wake up one day and you are already a minister or a governor. It just happens.
“If you are looking for opportunity, please stay back in Nigeria but if you are looking for 9-5, safety and others, you can leave the country.”Amaechi further stated that his fear of God stands him out from among other elites and politicians in the country.
“The difference between me and most Nigerian elites is that I say things the way it is and I say it unknowingly. It is the way God has brought me up and I will tell you the truth even if you put a gun on my head. I’ve always believed that the reason I acquired that character is because of my fear of God. I’ve always believed that I should go to heaven and one way to do that is to be honest with mankind and with yourself.
“When you are wrong, you say you are sorry. I choose to be honest all my life. I don’t want to be politically correct and if diplomacy means lying, then I won’t lie. The best or worst you can get of me at that particular time is to walk away from that place instead of lying.”
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