Jega warns against japa syndrome, as NMA proffers solution

Former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Atahiru Jega, has cautioned Nigerians against leaving the country, despite the biting economic hardship being experienced today.

He noted that other nations had gone through more turbulent periods than Nigeria and came out of them stronger, expressing hope that the current situation would not last forever.

Speaking at the “Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative” (URNI) in Abuja, the former INEC boss emphasised that being a first class citizen would be more glorifying than being considered an alien in a foreign land

“From the records, most people who leave this country end up regretting it. Most people leave here when they are young, but when they are 70 and above, they begin to think of returning back home.

“This means that wherever you go, your mind still reminds you of your roots; it is one of the disadvantages of this Japa syndrome, as you call it. That is why it is important that we stay here and build the country together,” he said.

The Director General, National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Isa Onilu, lamented that social media content creators had continued to paint Nigeria in bad light over time, disclosing that the agency had set machinery in place to ensure that social media content was created to paint the nation in positive light.

They spoke just as Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State chapter, stated that one of the ways to curb brain drain plaguing the health sector was to implement the salary structure and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) across all healthcare levels.

While expressing concern about the mass exodus of health workers from the country, the Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, described the syndrome as a consequence of a system that had failed to offer fair compensation and career fulfilment.

Alonge, speaking with journalists, yesterday, at a press conference to herald the yearly Physicians’ Week in the state, said if healthcare professionals were remunerated fairly and equitably, it would strengthen their commitment and dedication to patient care.

The theme for the week was: ‘Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,” with two sub-themes: ‘Mitigating the Impact of Infectious Diseases: Addressing the Monkeypox Outbreak and Beyond,’ and “Early Detection of Breast Cancer and Current Trends in the Management of Breast Cancer.”

He stated that in addition to befitting remuneration, government should improve work conditions for healthcare workers, as it would help to retain talents in the profession.