Media Entrepreneur Alibaba discusses the 'Japa' phenomenon on Channels TV's Sunrise, revealing that many Nigerians, especially in the entertainment industry, are liquidating their assets to relocate abroad. Highlighting economic instability, he shared personal anecdotes of friends and colleagues quietly leaving the country permanently.
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise breakfast program, public affairs commentator and media entrepreneur Atunyota Akpobome, known as Alibaba, highlighted a concerning trend: many Nigerians are liquidating their investments to relocate abroad. This migration phenomenon, known locally as ‘Japa,’ has particularly impacted the entertainment industry.
Alibaba expressed his dismay at the growing number of individuals leaving the country. "Many people are liquidating investments and traveling," he lamented. He noted that people are now dipping into their savings and trying to manage their resources to facilitate their move. The ace comedian observed that, out of ten people he knew who had initially decided against leaving between January and now, several had since relocated permanently.
"So, you find out that people are now dipping their hands into savings, if there were any, and trying to manage their resources," Alibaba explained. This sentiment was echoed in his personal experiences, as he recounted numerous instances of friends and colleagues quietly leaving the country without plans to return.
“I know about four comedians who have traveled and many more in entertainment who have traveled,” Alibaba revealed, underscoring the significant impact on the entertainment sector.
