Why I never considered joining ‘japa’ bandwagon – Eloho Oyegwa

Eloho Oyegwa, founder of Webcore Nigeria, a foremost digital marketing company, has revealed why he was never attracted to jumping on the popular crusade of young Nigerians leaving the country for greener pastures.

Thousands of Nigerians youths are leaving the country for other destinations, in search of economic prosperity, superior academic learning environment, security and social wellbeing. Despite the huge financial demands, many more continue to besiege foreign embassies, in desperate search for visas.

However, in the midst of the conundrum, Oyegwa resolved to take advantage of the opportunities in the land others are blinded to. He founded the company in 2014 and two years later, it was registered and the rest is history.

Seven years after, Webcore Nigeria is renowned for providing digital services to businesses and creating products for them to improve profit, utilise tech machineries to scale sales and expand the reach. Predominantly, the company is a product-led digital technology business that offers a range of digital products, including Social Media Marketing, SEO, Internet Branding, Online Presence, and Digital Marketing packages through webcorenigeria.com e-commerce platform.

In an interview on why he did not join the droves of youths leaving the shores of the country, Oyegwa maintained that he believes in the Nigerian project. He recounted that with his several trips abroad, he was never motivated to emigrate.

“My decision to remain in Nigeria amidst the significant emigration trend among young people is deeply rooted in my profound love and loyalty to my homeland. While I have had the opportunity to travel extensively, experiencing countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and France, my attachment to Nigeria has always remained unwavering. Despite the allure of foreign shores, I find a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity within the borders of my home country,” said Oyegwa.

Continuing, he said, “During a road trip in early 2017 from New York City to Chicago, I had a stopover in Buffalo, upstate New York, a time when irregular border crossings from the U.S. to Canada were at their peak, particularly among those seeking asylum. Despite my awareness of this phenomenon, I never considered participating in such activities. My commitment to upholding legal and ethical standards, coupled with my social standing, reinforced my belief in adhering to lawful means.

“Furthermore, my connection to Nigeria transcends personal sentiment; it is embedded in my professional aspirations. I am deeply passionate about contributing to the development and progress of my nation. The challenges faced by Nigeria fuel my determination to be a part of the solution, utilizing my skills and experiences to effect positive change locally. I firmly believe in Nigeria’s potential, recognizing the wealth of talent, innovation, and resilience within our borders.

“I am committed to harnessing these qualities, supporting local initiatives, and playing a role in our nation’s growth story. My decision to stay reflects my confidence in Nigeria’s future and my dedication to being a catalyst for progress within our borders. While I cherish the diverse experiences gained from my travels, it is within Nigeria’s embrace that I find purpose and the drive to make a difference”, said the Webcore CEO.

The Webcore Nigeria boss, who is passionate about leadership and youth advocacy,  disagreed with the notion being bandied around that the young population in the country are not ready or prepared to run and rule the affairs of the country.

“The notion that Nigeria faces a deficit of good leaders and that young people are not ready for leadership is a complex issue. While there are undoubtedly challenges in the current leadership landscape, it’s crucial to recognize the immense potential and talent among the youth. Many young Nigerians are actively engaged in various fields, displaying exceptional skills, innovation, and dedication. The lack of opportunities, mentorship, and resources often hinders their progress. Therefore, addressing these systemic issues is essential to nurture the next generation of leaders,” Oyegwa stated.