gistlifetv
The JAPA wave, Nigeria’s mass migration trend, has become more than just a buzzword.
Concerned about the growing exodus of young Nigerians, the RCCG Fountain of Life Sanctuary convened a summit titled JAPA Conference: Beyond Borders.
The event brought experts, spiritual leaders, and the public together to explore the root causes and consequences of this trend.
At the heart of the JAPA Conference was a call for reflection on why people are leaving and at what cost.
Keynote speaker Dr. Adeoye Oyewole, a psychiatrist and life coach, drew a sharp line between purposeful migration and escape.
According to him, leaving the country without a clear plan or motive may signal deeper psychological or emotional issues.
He noted that economic hardship, insecurity, and poverty are major push factors. But beyond statistics, there are stories of people who fall into drugs, crime, or depression abroad, because their expectations didn’t match reality.
During a panel discussion, Stanbic IBTC’s Funke Amobi urged prospective migrants to check their mental preparedness.
She posed challenging questions to the audience—What is your purpose? What is the greener pasture you’re chasing?
The convener Pastor Noruwa Edokpolo offered a balanced religious view, stating that migration is neither right nor wrong, but often a response to personal or environmental circumstances.
Edokpolo believes the summit is apt at a time when an average Nigerian wants to leave the country for economic benefits, saying there is a need to weigh the pros and cons before taking the decision.
The summit encouraged honest dialogue on the emotional, social, and spiritual implications of migration, reminding attendees that while crossing borders may be easy, crossing into purpose requires deeper clarity.
