Congratulations! You’ve just been selected to either:
- Live abroad with only a slim chance of “making it”, or
- Stay in Nigeria and actually build a decent life filled with meaning, memories, and vibes.
Now, let’s be honest, if you put that question to the average Nigerian, about 89–95% will shout “Japa!” without blinking. Why? Because for many of us, our patriotism is not to Nigeria but to “another man’s land”. We would rather gamble with the uncertainty of the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Canada, or United Arab Emirates (UAE) than embrace the Nigeria we call “the land of suffering.”
And it’s deeper than just frustration with government policies; let’s be real: a lot of us have grown to despise Nigeria herself.
Maybe that’s why people no longer believe in democracy in Nigeria. They don’t believe in voting. They don’t believe their voices will ever be heard. They don’t believe change is possible. To many, Nigeria feels like a lost cause.
The hatred is so deep that it has become normal. In fact, it’s only when Nigerians are abroad, living in the UK, US, Canada or even Ghana; that they suddenly wear green and white with pride, sing “Nigeria jollof” with their chest, and post long threads about “back home.” The exception? The Nepo babies; children of privilege who only see the sweet side of Naija. But the kids born and raised in Ojuelegba, Mushin…children of the everyday Nigerian, Omo, dem no send Nigeria at all. We have young Nigerians risking their lives in illegal migration or losing their funds to fraudster agents promising them a japa route.
And can you blame them? These are people whose powerful voices have been muted; not by Nigeria herself, but by those who hijacked her. How do you explain hope to people being crushed under new policies that have led to the surge in inflation? To people facing the worst economic instability in decades? To families living under the double wahala of insecurity and impoverishment?
How do you tell them that Nigeria herself is not their enemy? Here’s the truth: until we separate the hatred of the government from the love of our country, we will keep losing. Nigeria is more than bad leaders. Nigeria gave us an identity. Nigeria gave us belonging. Nigeria gave us pride (even if we forget it sometimes).
You cannot fight for what you don’t love.
And if we don’t love Nigeria, how do we fight for her in the demands we make and questions we ask our government? How do we fight for her in the image of Nigeria we show to the world? How do we fight for her in the ballot box? How do we show up boldly during elections? How do we push for a better tomorrow?
The spirit of unpatriotism is weakening us without us realizing it.
Take it from Gen Z citizens in Nepal (yes, Nepal, 2025) or is it Kenya? We see GenZs in Madagascar and Morocco speaking loudly too.
“You can hate the government, but love your country.”
And that’s the energy we need here. Hate bad governance all you want (in fact, it deserves it), but love Nigeria enough to fight for her future. Participate in elections. Cast your vote. Volunteer. Mobilize. Shout if you must. Be proud of your decision, whether you vote for red, blue, green, or yellow.
Because at the end of the day, Naija no be another pesin land.
Na our land.
And if we no love am, who go love am for us?
Obidigbo Mmesoma Favour is a young and passionate writer who believes in the power of a pen. She is currently an intern in Yiaga Africa.
