By Ayomide Otitoju
As Nigeria faces an unprecedented wave of emigration—popularly known as the “japa” phenomenon—the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Fountain of Life Sanctuary, is set to address the nation’s migration crisis with a comprehensive conference in Lagos.
The event, themed “Exploring All Dimensions of the Japa Syndrome in Nigeria,” is scheduled for May at the church’s auditorium and aims to dissect the underlying causes and far-reaching consequences of the mass exodus of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. The conference will convene thought leaders, policy experts, faith leaders, professionals, and everyday Nigerians to examine both the economic and structural drivers, as well as the psychological, emotional, and faith-based dimensions of migration.
Pastor Noruwa Edokpolo, convener and Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province 27, underscored the urgency of the issue at a recent press briefing. “Japa is more than a buzzword—it’s a national reality that touches every family, sector, and soul,” Edokpolo stated.
Contrary to assumptions that the church may be discouraging migration, Edokpolo clarified that the conference is not about endorsing or opposing emigration. “People will migrate anyway. Whether we hold a conference or not, they are going,” he said. “So we are saying—if you must go, let’s talk about this. So you know how to go, where to go, and when to go. And if you must stay behind, these are the opportunities available here.”
The heart of the Japa Conference, according to Edokpolo, is informed decision-making. “What I find is that information flow is not smooth. Most people are making decisions with inadequate information. We want to provide a platform where, in one frame, you can see everything that has to do with JAPA,” he explained.
The agenda includes two interactive sessions: one focused on Nigeria’s structural challenges, such as brain drain and insecurity, and the other delving into emotional issues like family separation and faith struggles.
“We are not trying to force a choice between staying or going. We are saying, understand the full picture. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, or student, whatever affects the people affects us. And we must help them choose wisely,” Edokpolo added.
The conference comes at a time when Nigeria’s migration crisis is reaching new heights. Official data shows that millions of Nigerians have emigrated in recent years, with economic hardship, insecurity, and limited career prospects driving the trend, especially among the youth[1][2][7]. The resulting brain drain has strained sectors such as healthcare and education, while many migrants face significant challenges abroad, including stricter immigration policies and the risks associated with irregular migration.
“For RCCG-FOLS, the issue isn’t just economic—it is deeply spiritual and emotional too. Today, we are talking about JAPA. Tomorrow, it could be something else. Destinies are being altered—sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. Those who should stay are going, and those who should go are staying. The result is confusion, regret, and lost purpose,” Edokpolo concluded.
