McDolly Ogundana, known as The9jaboy, reflects on the growing Nigerian migration trend, popularly called “Japa” (Yoruba for “to flee”), questioning whether leaving the country truly brings fulfillment.

• Nigerians leave not out of dislike, but due to poor governance, insecurity, corruption, and lack of opportunities.
• The emotional cost is high: Ulysses Syndrome—loneliness, guilt, cultural displacement, and disconnection from family and community.
• Personal anecdotes, like his friend Jide, highlight the deep family fragmentation caused by migration.
• Ogundana urges Nigerian leaders to prioritize economic growth, education, and safety, arguing that meaningful reforms could slow the exodus of the country’s brightest minds.

He concludes that while Japa promises opportunity, it comes with emotional and social wounds, asking, “is it really worth it?”