Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, recently expressed concern over the trend of Nigerians leaving the country for countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to take on menial jobs they would not consider in Nigeria. She made these remarks during an interview with Arise TV, highlighting the irony of educated Nigerians engaging in jobs like cab driving abroad while leaving their dependents behind.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of Nigerians supporting each other and assisting those in need, rather than prioritizing extravagant leisure activities. She noted that while the government plays a role, it cannot solve all the problems, and individual efforts are crucial.
According to the Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a total of 3,679,496 people left Nigeria in the past two years, with approximately 2,115,139 departing in 2022 and 1,574,357 leaving between January and September 31, 2023. Tinubu urged Nigerians to rethink their priorities, suggesting that the money spent on lavish parties could be used to support neighbors and those in need until the country is more stable economically.
Tinubu also emphasized the biblical principle of helping the poor, pointing out that the definition of poverty has evolved to include not owning a car or a home. She called for a shift in mindset and behavior, advocating for a more community-oriented approach to addressing societal challenges.
