The growing wave of migration, popularly known as Japa, offers both life-changing opportunities and significant challenges, according to Bukola Alphonso-Olarewaju, a clinical social worker, professional event planner and former journalist.
She shared this perspective during the latest edition of Perspectives with Simiat Abaru, where she examined the realities of relocating abroad and stressed the importance of proper preparation before making the life-changing decision.
Drawing from her personal experience, Bukola revealed that her relocation to the United States in 2015 was motivated by the need to provide a safer environment for herself and her two children following a difficult marital experience, rather than by economic reasons alone.
She explained that while migration can open doors to better opportunities and improved living conditions, success abroad depends largely on adequate preparation, practical skills and informed decision-making.
Bukola advised prospective migrants to seek accurate information, develop employable skills and maintain realistic expectations about life in their destination countries. She also cautioned Nigerians against falling victim to immigration scams, urging them to pursue only legitimate migration pathways.
The discussion also examined the broader impact of the Japa phenomenon on Nigeria, including the loss of skilled professionals, its implications for national development and the significant role diaspora remittances continue to play in supporting families and contributing to the economy.
Speaking from her experience as a clinical social worker, Bukola emphasised the need for migrants to prioritise their mental health and build strong family and community support systems to ease their transition into unfamiliar environments.
Participants agreed that conversations around migration should move beyond the excitement of leaving the country to include honest discussions about the realities, responsibilities and emotional challenges associated with starting life abroad.
The programme concluded with a call for more balanced and informed conversations on migration, stressing that while opportunities exist overseas, addressing the social and economic issues driving migration remains essential to Nigeria's long-term development.
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