The harsh realities of ‘Japa’: Gen Z reflects on the challenges of migration

The rising trend of ‘Japa,’ a Nigerian term used to describe leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, has become a hot topic among the younger generation, particularly Gen Z.

In a recent episode of Venita Akpofure’s Uncolored Podcast, Venita hosted twin sisters Oiza and Meyi, both rising stars in the art and creative scene, to dive deep into this phenomenon.

As the conversation began, Venita set the stage by introducing her guests, and sharing their insights on how ‘Japa’ culture is viewed in their generation.

“I have two queens from this Gen Z era who are going to share some insights and experiences with you guys on what Japa culture is for them,” she said, hinting at a lively conversation to come.

Oiza and Meyi, while acknowledging the appeal of migrating to a country with better opportunities, expressed that they were torn between leaving and staying in Nigeria. Meyi shared her struggle with the idea of moving abroad, particularly because of her strong attachment to her family.

“Fear of the unknown keeps me here. I don’t want to leave my parents. I like them; they’re fun people,” she admitted.

The twin sisters, who come from a large and close-knit family, revealed that the thought of being separated from their 51 family members made the idea of leaving even more daunting.

While Meyi had reservations about leaving, Oiza shared that the decision to stay was just as difficult. She confessed to feeling lonely in Lagos, where many of her peers had already left for better prospects abroad.

“It’s been one of the loneliest times in Lagos. All my friends, people I’ve known since I was young, have left,” she said, adding that a large portion of her generation has found it more difficult to migrate than previous ones.

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