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Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti, has expressed dissatisfaction with the alarming rate of Nigeria losing its best minds to developed economies, stressing the crucial duty of political leaders to address and reverse this worrisome pattern.
At the funeral service held in Isiugwu Ohafia over the weekend for Kalu Uke Kalu, a prominent chartered accountant, he expressed this sentiment. Kalu was not only a founding partner but also the executive director of SKOUP and Company Limited.
The phenomenon of brain drain, now colloquially termed the ‘japa’ syndrome, has reached a concerning level, exacerbated by the challenging economic conditions and the concurrent surge in unemployment rates within the nation.
Otti, through a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kazie Uko, asserted that Nigeria, armed with suitable policies, could put an end to the ‘japa’ phenomenon and even reclaim those who had previously left.
Read also: Otti Laments Deterioration Of Igbo Culture, Values
He stressed the importance of leaders making intentional moves to retain the nation’s top talents in service, urging them not to allow these skilled individuals to migrate in pursuit of more favorable circumstances elsewhere.
The governor said on his own part, his administration’s policies were geared towards making Abia State conducive for people and businesses to thrive.
According to him, ‘When we do all the things we do in Abia State, we want to attract our people that are outside, most importantly the people that are outside the shores of the state.’
‘We need to get them back, otherwise, we would get to a level where what will be left here will be the trace of the society. May it not happen to us in Jesus’ name!’
Otti noted that Elder Kalu, who died at 88, was a great Nigerian, who contributed immensely to the development of society, ‘unlike what is happening today where highly skilled professionals are moving out of the country in droves.’
‘Today, we are here celebrating him(Kalu); but as we celebrate him, we need to talk to ourselves. A lot of good men are going. We are now wondering, the best of the young people, are they here?’
‘Most of them have ‘japad’ (left the country). So, for those who are opportune to lead, we need to deliberately make efforts to attract our best people back.’
In his sermon, entitled: ‘Preciousness of Death’, Most Rev Benebo Fubara-Manuel challenged the living to do what is right and live a life of integrity, as well make positive impact on people and society at large.
In his funeral oration, Mr. David Kalu, the first son of the departed, eloquently brought to light the profound contributions of his late father in the realms of accounting, finance, academia, community service, and the church.
