The Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has said the mass exodus of Nigerians abroad, popularly dubbed ‘Japa,’ is now contributing positively to the nation’s economy.
The monarch made the remarks on Tuesday during a free medical outreach organised by the Yoruba Nurses of North America (YORNNA) at Ake Palace, Abeokuta.
He noted that many Nigerians who left the country about four years ago are either returning home or sending substantial remittances to support their families and the national economy.
“Some years back, when our economy was nosediving and our children started travelling, there was apprehension, and many thought that everything about it must be bad. But the good thing is that these people are now coming back to support their people back home,” he said.
Oba Gbadebo added that the inflow of remittances has grown so significant that Nigeria now ranks second only to India in terms of money sent home annually.
“This support is making lots of difference in the lives of our people and the nation’s economy. Some of these people are coming back to be chiefs, traditional rulers, industrialists, adding a whole lot of value to our economy,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to explore opportunities abroad if their skills are in demand, stressing the importance of returning home to contribute to society.
“Let those who want to stay in the country do so, and for those who want to travel abroad, let them go, make it there, and come back to support the well being of their people and our economy,” Oba Gbadebo added.
The monarch also praised YORNNA for its contributions, describing the medical outreach as an example of collaboration with the diaspora to empower communities back home.
President of YORNNA, Dr. Adebisi Allison, highlighted the association’s commitment to improving health in Yoruba communities across the South West, including Kogi and Kwara states.
She explained that the 2025 health mission, taking place from December 16 to 20, covers five locations Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Remo, and Ijebu Imushin and offers general check ups, screenings, dental and vision services, breast cancer awareness, mental health counselling, free medication, and palliative support.
According to the 2024 report by the International Organisation for Migration, Nigeria has 2.1 million citizens living abroad, sending home $21 billion in remittances.
For comparison, Nigeria’s annual oil revenue fluctuates between $30 to 33 billion (2023 2024), with estimates exceeding N50tn in 2024, highlighting the growing economic significance of diaspora contributions.
