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Canada-based Sunday Samuel Adebehinje has revealed what it cost him to relocate abroad.
Although the sum, $28,000 (nearly N50 million) is huge, “It’s worth it,” he told our correspondent.
Adebehinje’s disposition fuels the optimism that has seen thousands of Nigerians of all ages and professions relocate abroad in the increasingly infective ‘japa syndrome’, reports Saturday Vanguard.
‘They don’t love Nigeria’
The effects of this trend on Nigeria also increase in direct proportion.
A few days ago, the Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, warned that the increasing wave of emigration of Nigerians abroad, otherwise called japa syndrome, posed serious challenge to the nation’s socio-economic development.
The Vice Chancellor challenged Nigerian sociologists and academics to be at the forefront of strategic efforts to reverse the exodus of youths and other citizens from the country.
His words: “Let’s stop deceiving ourselves. If they (foreign countries) love us, they won’t be taking our best brains away.”
Adebehinje told our correspondent: “I left Nigeria for Canada in 2023. Although I’m married, I didn’t relocate with my family.”
Asked how much it cost him to japa to Canada, Samuel said: “It cost me $28,000. And education brought me here.”
Although the amount is relatively high (almost N50 million), Samuel said: “It’s worth it.”
He was an architect in Nigeria. However, in Canada, he’s a machine operator alongside his educational pursuits.
According to Samuel, the only challenges for him are boredom and the weather. In spite of these challenges, he cherishes the exposure provided by the country. Also, he said, there’s the opportunity to meet people and network.
He looks forward to visiting his family here in Nigeria.
Tellingly, he would “definitely help” others to Japa to Canada if he has the means.
