Former President Olusegun Obasanjo believes Nigerian-trained medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, need motivation and better working conditions to stay in the country. He emphasized this during the commissioning of the renovated Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Zamfara State, noting that many healthcare professionals are leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad, a phenomenon known as “Japa.”

Obasanjo stressed that building healthcare facilities isn’t enough; governments must also provide necessary equipment and fair compensation to incentivize health workers. He praised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for renovating the hospital and urged making good use of the facility.

This issue is significant, as many Nigerian youths are seeking better prospects overseas, resulting in a brain drain that affects critical sectors like healthcare. Other prominent figures, like former African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, have also expressed concerns about the “Japa” phenomenon, highlighting the need for Africa to invest in its young people and create opportunities for them to thrive on the continent.