Embrace skill acquisition, shun japa, Rep urges youth
A member of the House of Representatives representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Kalejaiye Paul, has called on Nigerian youths to learn relevant skill and contribute to the development of the country.
He raised concern over the rate at which foreigners take over skilled labour in the country, urging youths not to neglect jobs in their country for menial jobs abroad.
The lawmaker stated this in an interview with journalists at the 2023 Merciful God Concert/Talent Hunt held at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, Ajegunle, Lagos State, on Sunday.
He said, “Unfortunately, the japa syndrome has become phenomenal in recent times. People Japa because they believe there are greener pastures and that Nigeria offers nothing. But I want to encourage them to say that Nigeria offers the best. Even the japa we are talking about, you see graduates go there to wash coffins, do security jobs and others. These are menial jobs they don’t want to do here but when they get abroad they do just any job to make money.
“While I want to discourage the japa syndrome, my appeal is for us to engage in programmes like this where people that are talented can be spotted and encouraged. We hear that some Nigerian graduates are unemployable, they are unemployable because they do not have the required entrepreneurial skills to make them survive in a competitive society.
“Now our skilled jobs have been taken away by Togolese, Beninese and people from other countries. Skills acquisition is an area we need to encourage our youths to diversify into where they will be employers of labour.”
The event, which was organised by the lawmaker, featured competitions from choirs from 200 churches in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency with six churches in the final stage. They include Holy Mount of Delight and Fulfilment Church; CCC Alfa and Omega; CAC MBA Coke Ayo; Christ the King Catholic Church, Alaba Oro; First Baptist Church, Amukoko; and RCCG, Habitation Refuge.
In his address, the Chairman of the Talent Hunt and Judges Committee, Olusegun Osinaike, stated that N3m was set aside to be won by the finalists.
