ONE QUESTION WE MUST ANSWER..🐾

Every 1st of October, Nigeria celebrates her independence with our green and white colours, patriotic messages about serving our country, reflections on how far we have come, and sometimes, remembrance of the great leaders who shaped our history. But today, I think it is time for us to sit down and ask ourselves an important question: What does Nigeria owe us as citizens, and what exactly do we, as citizens, owe Nigeria? When I was younger, in primary and secondary school, I was taught about patriotism; the willingness to sacrifice our comfort for the good of our country. There is an expectation that young people should stay behind, endure the difficulties in the country, and contribute to its growth. But where should that responsibility end? A young Nigerian who leaves the country in search of better opportunities is often labelled as someone who has abandoned Nigeria. But perhaps we need to understand that leaving a country does not necessarily mean you have stopped loving it. Sometimes, it simply means you are searching for an environment where your education, skills and labour can translate into a decent standard of living. If a graduate spends at least four years acquiring an education and valuable skills, only to struggle for years to find meaningful employment, should remaining in the country be considered a moral obligation? If electricity, healthcare, transportation, education and other essential systems remain inadequate, should an individual be expected to sacrifice their entire future simply because they were born here? Patriotism is valuable and important, but it should not become a burden placed entirely on ordinary citizens. A country does not thrive through the efforts of citizens alone. Governments, institutions and private organisations all have roles to play. Citizens can contribute through honesty, hard work, innovation, community service and responsibility within society. But citizens also need functional institutions, opportunities and an environment that allows their efforts to produce meaningful results. There is another side to the “Japa” conversation that is often overlooked. People leaving Nigeria do not necessarily stop contributing to Nigeria. Many Nigerians abroad send money home, support their families, establish businesses, invest in Nigeria, acquire knowledge and skills, and sometimes return with experiences that can benefit the country. Perhaps, therefore, we need to ask: Why are Nigerians leaving? What is making Nigerians feel that leaving is necessary? Nigeria needs its brightest minds. But retaining those minds cannot depend on guilt, patriotism or emotional pressure. It requires creating conditions that make staying a viable, dignified and rewarding choice. The love for one's country can inspire sacrifice. But a country should also create reasons for its people to stay. Therefore, “Japa” should not automatically be interpreted as betrayal. For many people, it is a personal decision shaped by opportunity, security, family, career and the desire for a better life. You can love Nigeria and still leave Nigeria. You can leave Nigeria and still contribute to Nigeria. You can hope for a better Nigeria without being required to put your entire future on hold while waiting for it. True patriotism should not be measured by how much suffering a citizen is willing to endure. Perhaps it should also be measured by how seriously we work towards building a country where people do not have to choose between loving their homeland and pursuing a decent life. 🇳🇬 Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. May we build a Nigeria worth staying for: and one worth returning to.

Other insights from Peace Pen ✨

Contributor Points

Points-to-Coupons

Referral Earning