Rep Tanko gives advice on mitigating ‘Japa Syndrome’

Rep. Adamu Tanko (PDP-Niger State) has said that tackling “Japa Syndrome” will entail getting Nigerians already resident abroad to contribute to Nigeria’s ailing economy.

He made this known at an empowerment programme he organised to mark his 100 Days in office held at the Suleja Township Stadium, Sulaje on Monday.

It was reported that the lawmaker empowered over 1, 500 of his constituents with cash donations, industrial sewing machines, power generators and grinding machines.

According to him, the gesture was in fulfilment of his campaign promises to his constituents.

“We had given them the commitment that we are going to serve them earnestly; we are going to work for their interest; we will make sure we give a facelift to their standard of living. This is what we have done,” he said.

Tanko is Chairman House Committee on Diaspora and represents Suleja/Tafa/Gurara Federal Constituency.

The lawmaker who said that though the movement of persons across borders could not be avoided also said that the committee is doing its best to tackle the ‘Japa Syndrome’.

“At the committee level, our responsibility is to make sure we maximise the benefit of Nigerians in diaspora for the benefits of those resident in Nigeria.

“There are very influential Nigerians living everywhere in the world and are holding influential positions and they have the means to contribute to nation building back home.

“If you mobilise Nigerians in diaspora sufficiently to do this, that will be a very efficient way to mitigate japa syndrome.

“We intend to embark on massive mobilisation, publicity campaigns and sensitisation on Nigerians across the world to give back some portion of what they have to make citizens living from this country to others to stay back home,” he said.

Tanko also saluted Nigeria on its 63rd Independence Anniversary describing the country as a promising, diverse and blessed nation.

“We should still look inward. With the enormous challenges, we shouldn’t despair, we should be courageous, we should show resilience.

“We have to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and commitment to nation building so that we can have the Nigeria of our dream,” he said.

Also speaking, Rep. Jafaru Leko (APC-Bauchi) commended Tanko on the empowerment project.

Leko said, “I’m so happy that a friend of mine, a colleague of mine, my close ally is doing this.”

He represents Bagoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, Bauchi, and he is the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He noted that in the House of Representatives, members are united irrespective of party differences.

“When we came to the 10th Assembly, there is what we call members of young legislators group.

“We agreed that we are not only going to represent our constituency but we are going to represent the youth constituency.

“About 43 of us who who are under 40 years, decided to work together irrespective of political parties.

“We are working to move this country forward. We are working to change the narrative, we are working to add value to the country.

“So the time of politics and party differences is over. It’s now time for governance. We all belong to Nigeria and Nigeria is what is before us,” Leko said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Istifanus Bawa, Deputy Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tafa Local Government Area appreciated the lawmaker for the kind gesture.

“I’m so glad. We believe in his capacity even as a youth. This is the beginning of greater things for the people of the constituent. I believe he will do more.”