Renowned singer Femi Kuti has begged young Nigerians not ‘japa.’
According to him, they should stay in the country and improve it.
Speaking at the 2024 Felebration festival, Kuti emphasised that developed countries like Europe and America fought for their freedom, highlighting their histories of civil wars and struggles.
He stressed that Nigeria’s youths should recognise their responsibility to improve their own country.
Kuti noted that iconic landmarks like the Fela Shrine were built in Africa, not abroad, and even those with dual citizenship contribute to Nigeria’s growth, citing his son, Made Kuti as an example.
He said: “People have asked me, ‘Shey you no go japa?’ Japa to where?”
“Let me tell you about Europe; you see Europe and what made it great. Do you think they ran away? No, they fought; Europe fought hundreds of civil wars; dem just dey kill themselves. America had one of the worst civil wars in history, which is why till today Americans still carry guns.
“We must understand that we have to stay here and fight for a better country that we love. We did not build the Fela Shrine in Los Angeles or in London; we built it in Africa. Get your senses together because this country depends on you.
“Made is a British citizen but where is he? He is in Nigeria and he cannot be anywhere else. What does he want to do there? If they call him for work, he’d go there to play and come back. Who would take over the shrine? I want to retire.”