Rep Tanko gives advice on curbing "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.
Supreme News reports 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 interests; we will make sure we give a facelift to their standard of living. This is what we have done,” he said.
Tanko is Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora and represents Suleja/Tafa/Gurara Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker, who said that the movement of people 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 benefit of those resident in Nigeria.
“There are very influential Nigerians living everywhere in the world and 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 japanese syndrome.
“We intend to embark on massive mobilisation, publicity campaigns, and sensitization of Nigerians across the world to give back some portion of what they have to make citizens living in this country want 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 dreams,” 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 of the House Committee on the 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 were what we called members of the Young Legislative 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 are under 40 years old 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 of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tafa Local Government Area, appreciated the lawmaker's 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.”
