Former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega has reacted to the massive exodus of young Nigerians out of the country.

He said the latest development is a sign of a dangerous loss of hope.

He spoke at the launch of the inauguration of a nongovernmental organisation, ‘Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative’ in Abuja, on Saturday.

Jega urged Nigerians to restore faith in the country’s future.

He said, “The country’s current struggles, including the nation’s global label as the poverty capital of the world and the increasing exodus of young talent, known as the “Japa” phenomenon are worrisome.

While noting that Nigeria’s post-independence era was a time when the country served as a beacon of hope across Africa, inspiring Black communities around the world, Jega commended the selfless leadership of the First Republic.

He added that the leaders then laid a solid foundation for nation-building.

The former INEC chairman urged Nigerians to reject claims that Nigeria is a failed state.

He said, ”We must reject the narrative of a failed state and work to reform our systems, to bridge divisions, and to build a nation that serves all its citizens.”

Speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said citizens deserve better than mere promises.

Represented by the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Lanre Isa Onilu, the minister said the promises made to the citizens must be fulfilled.

He said, “To keep our commitments, we must ensure that our implementations reflect the promises made to our citizens. The issue of leadership is intertwined with the challenge of managing relationships.”

URNI Patron, Hassan Tukur, emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges on leadership rooted in character and competence.

Tukur reflected on a time when Nigerians formed strong connections across ethnic and religious lines, urging a revival of that values.

He attributed the nation’s socioeconomic challenges to a deficit in strong leadership and called on leaders to focus on job creation, resource mobilization, and national unity.