Sophia Michaels
Nigerian actor, Wale Ojo has kicked against the ‘japa’ mentality.
According to him, it is something that is embarrassing.
In an interview with ThisDay, the actor highlighted his goals for Nigeria, adding that despite spending many years overseas, his love for the country has never faltered.
“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,” he said.
Ojo emphasized his views on the japa trend in Nigeria, stating that he finds the mentality embarrassing.
Ojo emphasized that, despite Nigeria’s many problems, he aims to be a part of the solution to ensure that the Nigeria of his vision becomes a reality.
“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,” the actor explained.
“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.’”
