Should I Go Home? Questions About Japada

Zero Generation

So many Nigerians of working age leave their home country for a better and brighter future abroad, and I’m one of them. But what happens when you want to go home? Is it just homesickness or a sign that you’re ready to return to your friends and family? And does the home you’re dreaming of still really exist?

In this episode of Zero Generation, I’m sharing my thoughts about japada, or young people ‘escaping’ Nigeria for better work opportunities in the U.S., Europe, or even further away, and the complex conversations they have about moving back to Nigeria. Some people see returning to Nigeria as a sign of failure, but for others, it’s coming full circle to return to Nigeria to take care of their ageing parents. I lay out the arguments for staying abroad and for going home, bringing to light the difficult choice that all Nigerians abroad have to make.

So you’re going to hear all my thoughts on japada, but now I want to know yours! Tell me about your japada and whether you’re committed to staying away or working towards going home. Did your japada turn out like you thought it would? Subscribe to Zero Generation for more episodes like this about the Nigerian diaspora community.

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