Yesterday in Imo State, President Bola Tinubu addressed concerns over the significant departure of skilled workers from Nigeria, emphasizing that the Federal Government, in collaboration with sub-national entities, is committed to bridging the professional gap.
Speaking during the second term inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma in Owerri, the Imo State capital, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the government's ability to train and equip more individuals to meet the demand in critical sectors such as health and technology.
Highlighting the administration's focus on education, Tinubu assured the citizens that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is prioritizing the education of children and youths. He underscored the commitment to industrialization and announced increased attention and allocation to healthcare.
Addressing concerns about the 'Japa' phenomenon, a term colloquially used to describe the emigration trend that has seen a substantial number of skilled workers leaving Nigeria, President Tinubu sought to allay fears. He pledged that the government would address the shortage of skilled manpower by investing in training programs to supply the workforce needed to fill these roles.
"Do not worry about what you are hearing about the Japa syndrome; we will train more people, and we will supply them ourselves," Tinubu assured the audience.
In addition to addressing the professional exodus, the President extended reassurance to the people of the South-East, promising to enhance the existing peace in the region and work towards its improvement.
The 'Japa' phenomenon, exacerbated by challenges such as poor pay and welfare in sectors like healthcare, has seen many Nigerian youths seeking opportunities abroad, with the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada being popular destinations. With Nigeria grappling with a record-high unemployment rate of 33.3 percent, the government's commitment to training and equipping more individuals is seen as a proactive step towards mitigating the impact of this mass exodus on the nation's workforce.
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