By Ikeddy ISIGUZO

You can also commit injustice by doing nothing. – Marcus Aurelius

PITCH darkness descends on Nigeria regularly enough that disconcerting as it is,  darkness may be a distinguishing Nigerian feature that is not about to go away. Fewer places reflect the darkness, the neglect of the Nigerian society, than the fullsomeness of the energies for dispensation of injustice.

The entry of a young man, 30, more popularly  known  as VeryDarkMan, is pointing the light to some of the more embarrassingly darkened sides of our justice system. We should be grateful to him for his disruptions.

Without him, the minors who the President, in a rare case of momentary wakefulness, released, would have had their trials  continued under a serious charge of trying to overawe the President’s administration. Minors, as they were, sick, hungry, all the traces of their stresses in full view, were put away for 60 days to allow investigations. Their deemed sponsor is out of reach of the law or above it.

The minors harvested from Kano, Adamawa, other States in the North, and Abuja, for waving Russian flag during their agitation against bad governance, and the increasing hardship in the country, were expected to bail themselves with N10 million each, and have senior civil servants guarantee they would not run away. They need N710 million to get out of detention.

The release and acquittal of the 71 teenagers, mostly beggars picked from the streets, to the Kano State government, is said to be a significant victory for human rights. We joke too much, too often. They had been held since August 2024.

Nobody did anything to release them. They had been forgotten. VeryDarkMan’s momentary detention was the opportunity that beamed the light on the dark recesses of Nigeria’s justice administration.

How many others who cannot afford the price of justice are still held illegally? Some minors, some adults?

The police, the Ministry of Justice, the judge, and all the routes that the children passed to jail, ignored the fact the arrested were children.

VeryDarkMan shouted enough that the next time they were in court, pictures and videos of their fainting went viral. They were hungry. They were sick. They were probably knocking on the doors of death.

Marcus Aurelius whose regnal name was Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, was a stioc philosophy, a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180, a member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. He was among the last of the rulers later known as the Five Good Emperors and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, during which there was relative peace, calm, and stability for the Roman Empire from 27 BC to 180 AD.

He expects us to act in the face of a crime or brutal act. If we do not act, Marcus would rate our inaction a form of injustice.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu put it more succinctly. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”.

We in different ways failed the minors charged to court in Abuja. They had no business being in jail and undergoing those dehumanising treatments that would stick with them for life. The courts were guilty.

Nigeria failed them particularly those who surround the President. They do too much worsening the public’s perception of the President. Not surprisingly, these same fellows are defending the arraignment of minors.

VeryDarkMan embarrassed them by asking for justice for the children. It was not long before people were questioning VeryDarkMan’s qualifications to dabble into human rights. He told them he had secondary school certificate. It was a disclosure that cut short whatever mischief they intended.

With all their education, their understanding of law and order, our Ministry of Justice easily mixing justice with injustice as they kept those children away for months. Who were they working for? Who do they account to? Is it enough to ask the children to go? With will be done to deter such official misbehaviour?

VeryDarkMan is the light that fights the pitch darkness that has seized the minds of the low and mighty in a mindless show of power, greed of immense dimensions, and the directionlessness that leads a nation that is speeding from one darkness to a worse one.

Who has forgotten the centres of concentric circles of conspiracies that cost Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, Chief Justice of Nigeria his plum job in 2017. None of the processes were followed. He was passed through the Code of Conduct Bureau, and sacked. The courts are now annulling the judgements.

No whimper was heard from the Senate which was in full session throughout the processes that terminated his appointment. The Senate confirms the appointment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who heads one of the three arms of our democratic government. Our neutrality, as Achibishop Tutu would say, convicts us.

There are more judges and higher ranking persons that the targeted injustices of the past and the times are affecting. Justice is far from everyone contrary to thinking that some are safe.

When the unjust act, they are blinded by motives. Justice Onnoghen in a minority, dissenting judgement, annulled the election of Umaru Yar’Adua as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2007. Onnoghen’s judgement voted in support of Muhammadu Buhari. It was the same Buhari that illegally sacked Onnoghen 10 years later.

Nigeria is bound by an uncaring leadership that cannot even care for itself. It is now impossible to stop the national grid from collapsing as if its constant collapse will increase our GDP. The administration unrelentingly feeds the public excuses for the unmitigated failure to supply electricity which is not even cheap.

Are we not expecting too much thinking that an administration that has made a policy of blaming everyone for everything will care for us? The issue is not that it will not – it simply cannot.

Perhaps VeryDarkMan would next beam his light on other abuses of our rights, while Marcus Aurelius still reminds us not to do nothing about injustices whether against us or other people.

Finally…

CHIEF Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the Equatoguinean whose private tapes almost got more attention than the US elections has proven that human beings can make something of anything. Engonga, the head of his country’s National Financial Investigation Agency, ANIF, is also head of the group that produced the thrilling 400 tapes that would have shaken the box office, stands by his story that participants in the tapes were not forced. I have heard several conclusions about the matter that introduced Equatorial Guinea. Not since the 2000 Olympics when Equatoguinean Eric Moussambani Malonga swam the 100 m freestyle on 19 September in a time of 1min 52.72 secs has the country attained monumental global attention. Moussambani had trouble concluding the race, but he set the record for the slowest time for the event. His time was more than twice regular times for the event. I doubt if we will ever know what Engonga did or understand it enough to pass a judgement.

YESTERDAY, Honourable Alexander Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member for Aba North/Aba South returned to his constituency to share free petrol and kerosine. He no longer needs to apologise for slapping an Abuja uber driver Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya thrice. After waking Nigerians up to another shade of the oppression we face, Abuwatseya has apologised to Ikwechegh and absolved him of any wrong-doing. The cab man even said he should be blamed for provoking the lawmaker. I apologise for VeryDarkMan who the case wings to fly. VeryDarkMan has already apologised to Ikwechegh. Congratulations, Honourable, there is no better time to commence the 2027 campaign than now.

WHAT did Americans do that is shocking Nigerians? Did we not vote for Muhammadu Buhari? Then followed it up with Bola Ahmed Tinubu? If you sequence a Donald Trump-Joe Biden-Trump administration, the dissonance would not be much different from what Nigerians are suffering. The only difference, though, is that America has standing institutions (they ceased to be strong a while ago) that Trump cannot trample on, completely.

THOSE against Senator Remi Tinubu, the President’s wife, and Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser leading national prayers as the elixir for national security and the tough times, in a week that Peter Obi suggested that productive hours should not be invested in prayers, have more work to do. Since we delight in citing foreign examples to support things we want to foist on others, how are these important national policies managed elsewhere?

• ISIGUZO is a major commentator on minor issues

By Fred Itua

Sophocles, a Greek philosopher and writer in his Play, Antigone, noted: ‘I have nothing but contempt for the kind of governor who is afraid, for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is best for the State.
’As Senator Monday Okpebholo assumes office today as the 6th elected Governor of Edo State, Sophocles’ sacred letters ring out loud.
Okpebholo’s emergence as the Governor of Edo State is both symbolic and historic. First, it has eclipsed the long marginalisation of the Esan (Ishan) ethnic group. In the last 33 years, the ethnic group, despite its cerebral population, has only held sway as managers of the State for an infinitesimal period of one year and six months.
Today, Edo people have proven to the rest of the world that everyone in the State matters.
Senator Okpebholo is not oblivious to the enormous tasks ahead of him. He is not also unaware of the damage the eight years of cankerworms and caterpillars Godwin Obaseki ruinously brought upon Edo people. Okpebholo may not have the full grapse of Obaseki’s damage yet. He is, however, ready to change the narratives, notwithstanding.
The emergence of Senator Okpebholo signals a new era of hope, progress, and transformative leadership. Born from humble beginnings, Okpebholo’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to service. Despite the financial constraints faced by his family, his parents instilled in him the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance. These early lessons would shape his character and lay the foundation for his future successes
Upon laying a strong foundation, Monday Okpebholo ventured into the world of business with a bold vision and unwavering determination. Drawing upon his innate entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen, he established successful ventures across various industries.
Through strategic decision-making, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, Okpebholo’s businesses flourished, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and Edo State.
Motivated by a desire to effect positive change and uplift the lives of his fellow citizens, Okpebholo transitioned into the realm of politics and public service. Recognising the need for visionary leadership and principled governance, he answered the call to serve his kinsmen and champion the aspirations of the people. As the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Monday distinguished himself as a principled leader, a tireless advocate for justice and equality, and a voice for the voiceless.
As a Governor, his conviction will be grounded in a profound commitment to the people of Edo State and a bold vision for the future. He envisions a State where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
His economic blueprint prioritises job creation, infrastructural development, and investment in key sectors, such as agriculture, technology, and tourism.
Okpebholo is a firm believer in the transformative power of good governance, transparency, and accountability. He has pledged to govern with integrity, fairness, and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of all Edo citizens will be heard and adequately represented.
Central to Okpebholo’s leadership philosophy is a deep-seated belief in servant-leadership and people-centred governance. He understands that leadership is not about wielding power or advancing personal agendas but about serving the needs and interests of the people.
Senator Okpebholo will lead by example and demonstrate humility, empathy, and a genuine concern for the welfare of his constituents – Edo people. He will foster collaboration, dialogue, and consensus-building and recognise that collective action is essential for driving meaningful change and progress.
Okpebholo’s vision for Edo State is grounded in a grassroots approach that prioritises community engagement, outreach, and empowerment. He understands the importance of connecting with people on a personal level, listening to their concerns, and earning their trust.
Okpebholo represents the embodiment of hope, progress, and transformative leadership. His life story, marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to service, resonates with the aspirations of the people of Edo State.
With his vision, integrity, and proven track record of success, Okpebholo is poised to lead Edo State into a new era of prosperity, unity, and inclusive development.
As the Governor of Edo State, he will not retreat and place his responsibilities on the shoulders of others. He will make tough decisions that will move Edo forward. Unlike Obaseki, who earned himself a name as the most famous MoU Governor, Okpebholo will rely on the expertise of the vibrant Edo State Civil Service and other capable hands he will hire to drive home his agenda for the Heart Beat of the Nation.
Okpebholo repeatedly assured during the campaigns that ‘Edo will witness a new development. This is the time the civil servants in the state will have a free hand and enjoy their job. There will be no consultants coming from somewhere to do their jobs. We will give them a chance to do their job. Their salaries would be guaranteed and no one would reduce their salary.’
As an ICT guru, Okpebholo will harness the skills of Edo entrepreneurial youths and make the State the hub of IT experts in the West of the Savanah. Under his watch as Governor, the vibrant youths of Edo will be put to gainful use and add to the growth and prosperity of the State.
No section, ethnic group, or religious aligners will be left out in Okpebholo’s Government. With him as the Captain of the ship, Edo State will berth successfully, and the people shall echo the Book of Proverbs 29:2, that ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.’

Rohini Nilekani, an Indian writer, author, and philanthropist, posited that ‘As citizens, we have to co-create good governance, we cannot outsource it and hope to be passively happy consumers. Like everything worth its while, good governance must be earned.”

What more can I add than to urge Edo sons and daughters to rally behind their worthy son, Okpebholo. He will make Edo State safe and great again.

From the Kukuruku Hills in Iyamho to the Anthills in Udomi; vast arable lands in Sobe, to the oil-rich Gele Gele; fear not! With Governor Monday Okpebholo, AKA, Akpako-Messiah, help has come!

As a Christian, I offer this prayer from the second stanza of a hymn, titled Abide With Me by Henry Francis Lyte for Governor Okpebholo.

‘Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.’

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, rest and abide with Governor Monday Okpebholo, now and forevermore, amen.

Long Governor Okpebholo!
Long live Edo State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Fred Itua is the spokesman to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo

By David Osadolor

As we deal with the multiplex of our minds and call to heart the things that should be in the most definite ways, it is indeed beyond the questions of hope and endeavors. People are losing faith in the country and their attitudes are showing that. When an institution can no longer provide the basic things needed by its citizens, people lose faith. It is therefore okay in an absolute manner to understand that when dealing with our temperamental stars, habits, and attitudinal behavioral conducts would always hold the pillars of societal balance in relative terms. People are battered, tattered, and torn, both from dealings within their societal circles and the cycle of the national polity, and there is just no way to keep the magic light and lead the way if the habits formed from the system are not reformed to lead a successful life.
Beyond this, at the other side of this long table will be questions; aching hearts and searching eyes, and the solemn ideas of what exactly they are trying to be or where they can get to lead a better life.  Amid these pains are people; hearts, and heads, and the numbers are constantly increasing as more questions are popping up from the distant shadows like silhouettes coming to life face to face with the cold realities of the entirely aching nation with no one willing to pick up the pieces. So here are the biggest catches; beyond the questions are questioners – people who have come along with a cumulative experience, adversity from childhood or something picked at adulthood. Most times, these people are often with value-laden and hurt-laden struggles which have shaped their current habits and the necessities of letting go are not so visible. This is the system. This has nothing to do with motivation or willpower, but the loss of faith in the institution and the necessity to find a better place to live and thrive.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of the continent’s largest economies, is often lauded for its abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage. However, beneath this veneer lies a deeply troubling phenomenon – brain drain. The term “brain drain” refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country to another in search of better opportunities. In Nigeria, this trend has reached alarming proportions, with thousands of professionals, particularly in the medical, academic, and technological sectors, leaving the country annually. This exodus has far-reaching consequences, not only for Nigeria’s economic development but also for its social stability and future growth prospects.
Let us remember therefore that in the past, our ancestors were forcibly taken to foreign lands in vast numbers, leaving behind only a few men, women, and children. This mass displacement, known as the trans-Atlantic slave trade, devastated our communities and stalled development, leaving our land barren. Many African scholars, such as Walter Rodney in his seminal work ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’ (1972), argue that the slave trade significantly hindered the development of the continent, which was rich in both human and natural resources.
Unlike the forced migration of the past, this modern exodus is voluntary, driven by the search for better opportunities outside the shore of Nigeria. This migration manifests in two primary ways. First, there is the Brain Drain, where educated Nigerians leave the country to practice their skills elsewhere due to the lack of favourable conditions at home. Second, there is the broader migration of individuals seeking greener pastures, even when they may not have significant contributions to offer in their destination countries.
 
The lack of opportunities for many talented Nigerians has led to a significant diaspora across Europe and America. The country’s failure to provide an environment where its citizens can fully realise their potential has exacerbated the challenges of brain drain and migration, contributing to Nigeria’s ongoing development struggles. Our universities have suffered from poor government policies, leading to a decline in quality and prestige. Studying abroad, even in neighbouring countries like Ghana and Benin Republic, has become a status symbol. In the medical field, a significant number of Nigerian doctors and nurses now practice in the United Kingdom, while our political leaders, unable or unwilling to fix the healthcare system at home, seek medical treatment abroad.
As the country struggles to address its myriad challenges, the loss of its brightest minds creates a conundrum – a complex and persistent problem that seems almost impossible to solve.
 
The Root Causes of Brain Drain in Nigeria
One of the primary drivers of brain drain in Nigeria is the country’s deteriorating economic conditions. Despite being one of the largest oil producers in the world, Nigeria has been unable to translate its natural wealth into broad-based prosperity. High unemployment rates, inflation, and a volatile currency have created an environment where many professionals see no viable future for themselves and their families. For instance, a 2020 report by the World Bank indicated that nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s population lived below the poverty line, and this figure has likely worsened due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In such an environment, the allure of higher-paying jobs, better living conditions, and more stable economies abroad is irresistible.
A second major cause of brain drain is the inadequate state of infrastructure and public services in Nigeria. Healthcare, education, and power supply are critical sectors that have suffered from years of neglect, under-funding, and corruption. The healthcare sector, for example, is in a state of crisis, with many hospitals lacking basic equipment and supplies. This has prompted a mass exodus of medical professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, to countries where they can work in better conditions. According to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), as of 2021, about 10,000 Nigerian doctors were practicing in the United States alone, with thousands more in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries. The education sector is similarly beleaguered, with universities frequently shutting down due to strikes, poor funding, and inadequate facilities, driving academics to seek opportunities abroad.
A third factor contributing to brain drain is the pervasive insecurity in Nigeria. The country has been grappling with various forms of violence, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, for over a decade. The rise of Boko Haram in the northeast, the persistent clashes between herders and farmers in the middle belt, and the kidnappings for ransom that plague various parts of the country have made Nigeria an increasingly dangerous place to live and work. Many professionals, especially those with young families, feel compelled to leave the country for safer environments. The tragic abduction of over 270 schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014 and the regular reports of attacks on schools, churches, and villages, highlight the extent of the insecurity. In response, many Nigerians have sought asylum or emigrated to countries where they feel their safety is assured.
Lastly, the lack of good governance and political stability in Nigeria is a significant catalyst for brain drain. Corruption, nepotism, and a lack of accountability have eroded public trust in government institutions and stymied efforts to improve the country’s socio-economic conditions. The failure to hold credible elections, ensure the rule of law, and protect human rights has driven many Nigerians to seek a better life elsewhere. For example, the End SARS protests of 2020, which began as a call to end police brutality, quickly morphed into a broader movement against bad governance. The government’s heavy-handed response, including the infamous Lekki Toll Gate shooting, reinforced the perception that the Nigerian state is not only incapable of protecting its citizens but is also complicit in their suffering. This has further fueled the desire among many Nigerians, particularly the youth, to emigrate.
 
Consequences of Brain Drain on Nigeria’s Development
The mass exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria has severe consequences for the country’s development. One of the most immediate and visible impacts is the decline in the quality of public services. In the healthcare sector, the departure of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals has left many hospitals understaffed and unable to provide adequate care to patients. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:2,500, far below the recommended ratio of 1:600. This shortage has led to increased mortality rates, particularly for preventable and treatable conditions. Similarly, the loss of educators and researchers has diminished the quality of education in Nigeria, with many universities struggling to maintain academic standards. This has created a vicious cycle, as the decline in educational quality drives more students and academics to seek opportunities abroad, further exacerbating the brain drain.
Another consequence of brain drain is the loss of potential economic growth. Skilled professionals are critical to driving innovation, increasing productivity, and improving competitiveness in the global economy. When these individuals leave Nigeria, they take with them not only their skills and knowledge but also their potential to contribute to the country’s economic development. The technology sector, for example, has seen a significant outflow of talent, with many Nigerian tech entrepreneurs and engineers relocating to Silicon Valley, Europe, or Asia. This has deprived Nigeria of the opportunity to build a robust and dynamic technology industry that could create jobs, attract investment, and drive economic diversification. Instead, Nigeria remains heavily reliant on oil exports, which are subject to global price fluctuations and offer little in terms of sustainable development.
Brain drain also has significant social and cultural implications for Nigeria. The departure of educated and skilled individuals has created a vacuum in leadership and expertise within communities, weakening the social fabric and undermining efforts to address local challenges. For instance, in many rural areas, the absence of doctors and teachers has left entire communities without access to basic health care and education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment. Moreover, the loss of cultural and intellectual capital has led to a decline in the vibrancy of Nigeria’s cultural and academic institutions. Many Nigerian authors, artists, and intellectuals have relocated abroad, where they can find greater support and appreciation for their work. This has diminished Nigeria’s cultural influence on the global stage and reduced the diversity of voices contributing to the country’s national discourse.
Furthermore, brain drain exacerbates the inequality and social divisions that already plague Nigerian society. The professionals who emigrate are often those with the resources, connections, and education to do so, leaving behind a population that is increasingly divided along economic and social lines. This growing inequality fuels resentment and discontent, particularly among the youth, who see fewer opportunities for social mobility and personal advancement. The increasing gap between the “haves” who can afford to leave and the “have-nots” who are left behind, contributes to social tensions and undermines national unity. This division is further deepened by the remittances sent by those who have emigrated, which, while providing a vital source of income for many families, also create dependencies and distort local economies.
 
Real-Life Examples of Brain Drain and Its Impact

Several real-life examples illustrate the devastating impact of brain drain on Nigeria. One of the most poignant cases is that of the medical sector. In 2021, it was reported that over 80 per cent of the doctors who graduated from Nigerian medical schools in the last decade had left the country. This exodus has left many hospitals in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, without enough qualified personnel to treat patients. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the vulnerabilities of Nigeria’s healthcare system, as the shortage of medical professionals hampered the country’s response to the crisis. In contrast, Nigerian doctors abroad have been making significant contributions to healthcare systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, highlighting the loss to Nigeria’s own system.
In the academic sector, the story of Professor Olufunmilayo Olopade, a renowned Nigerian-born oncologist and geneticist, is a telling example. After completing her medical training in Nigeria, she moved to the United States, where she became a leading researcher in cancer genetics and personalized medicine. Her work has had a significant impact on the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in women of African descent. While her achievements are a source of pride for Nigeria, they also underscore the loss of talent that could have contributed to the development of medical research and education within the country.
The technology sector provides another striking example of brain drain. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, a Nigerian entrepreneur, co-founded Andela, a company that trains software developers in Africa and connects them with global tech companies. Despite the success of Andela, Aboyeji eventually left Nigeria for Canada, citing the challenging business environment and the lack of support for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. His departure, along with that of many other tech innovators, highlights the obstacles that prevent Nigeria from fully capitalising on its talent pool.
 
Finally, the story of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated authors, reflects the cultural impact of brain drain. Although Adichie has gained international acclaim for her novels and essays, much of her work has been produced while living abroad. Her decision to leave Nigeria was driven in part by the limited opportunities for writers and intellectuals within the country. While she continues to engage with Nigerian issues through her writing, her physical absence from the country represents a loss of cultural and intellectual leadership that could have contributed to Nigeria’s literary and artistic development.
 
Potential Solutions and the Role of Policymakers
Addressing the issue of brain drain in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both the push and pull factors driving emigration. Policymakers must first focus on improving the economic conditions within the country. This involves creating an enabling environment for businesses, reducing unemployment, and ensuring that wages are competitive with those in other countries. Economic reforms should also include measures to stabilize the currency, control inflation, and attract foreign investment. By improving the economic prospects within Nigeria, the government can make staying in the country a more attractive option for professionals.
Investing in infrastructure and public services is another critical step. The government must prioritise the healthcare, education, and power sectors, ensuring that they are adequately funded and managed. This includes upgrading hospitals and schools, providing continuous training for professionals, and ensuring that essential services such as electricity and clean water are consistently available. By improving the quality of life in Nigeria, the government can reduce the incentive for skilled professionals to seek better conditions abroad.
Addressing insecurity is also paramount. The government must take decisive action to restore peace and stability in all parts of the country. This requires not only military interventions but also efforts to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. Additionally, the government should work to strengthen the rule of law, protect human rights, and ensure that all citizens feel safe and secure within the country. By creating a safer environment, the government can encourage professionals to stay in Nigeria rather than seeking refuge in other countries.
Finally, improving governance and political stability is essential to reversing brain drain. The government must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. This includes holding credible elections, combating corruption, and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. By restoring public trust in government institutions, the government can create a sense of hope and confidence in the future of Nigeria, making it less likely that professionals will want to leave the country.
 
Conclusion
Nigeria’s brain drain crisis represents a formidable challenge, but it is not insurmountable. The country is blessed with an abundance of human talent, but unless it takes urgent action to address the factors driving emigration, it risks losing this valuable resource to other nations. The consequences of brain drain are already being felt across various sectors, from healthcare and education to technology and culture, and these impacts will only deepen if the trend is not reversed. Policymakers must recognise that addressing brain drain is not just about retaining talent; it is about creating a nation where professionals can thrive and contribute to the development of their country. It is about building a Nigeria that offers not just hope, but tangible opportunities for all its citizens.
The call to action is clear: Nigeria’s leaders must prioritize the welfare of their people by creating an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and security. They must invest in the country’s infrastructure, improve governance, and address the economic and social challenges that drive brain drain. By doing so, they can ensure that Nigeria’s best and brightest are not just celebrated abroad but are empowered to build a brighter future at home. The time for action is now; the future of Nigeria depends on it.

***Osadolor, the President,
Nigerian Young Professionals’ Forum (NYPF) writes from Abuja

END