Ahmed and Awa dared to dream beyond their familiar streets, in the heart of Kano, wedged between the bustling Bompai Road and vibrant Kofar Mata Street. These whispers of opportunities from foreign lands called them to action and convinced them about other pastures. They sought after a better life in Dubai, with its shiny city. Leaving their cherished home at the intersection of Lamido Crescent and Sabon Gari Street was not easy. Memories were still fresh all over, family warmth echoed within the walls being left behind. As they got on board to fly away, a mixture of excitement for the next phase of life and a lingering nostalgia for what they had left enveloped their hearts. Dubai greeted them with its towering skyscrapers and modernity which were a far cry from those sights that are so familiar in Kano. Ahmed’s skill as an artisan saw him predict a future living amidst flourishing construction projects with promises of prosperity. Nevertheless, these dreams turned sour wh...
Japa, a term synonymous with the pursuit of opportunities abroad, has become more than a mere slogan; it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, significantly impacting the workforce of the Nigerian space. Beyond a trending narrative, Japa captures the complex interplay of factors that prompt individuals to seek new horizons. As population studies reveal, migration is often fueled by either a compelling pull factor or a forceful push factor, each influencing the decision to relocate. In Nigeria's context, Japa is shaped by a complex landscape where both push and pull elements come into play. Economic difficulties, political instability, insecurity, and limited job prospects create strong push factors that urge many Nigerians to explore opportunities outside their homeland. Simultaneously, attractive living standards improvements, educational possibilities, and promising futures act as powerful pull forces enticing individuals to venture beyond borders in pursuit of the...