Japa Regrets: Nigerians in Diaspora Cry Out Over Hardship, Depression – Abike Dabiri-Erewa

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has raised concerns over the increasing number of Nigerians abroad who are struggling with regret, hardship, and depression after relocating in search of better opportunities.

Taking to social media on Saturday, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that NiDCOM has been bombarded with distress calls from Nigerians overseas who lament their struggles and regret their decision to relocate.

Her statement was in response to a tweet by UK-based lawyer Dele Olawale, who warned about the harsh realities of immigration, particularly in the United Kingdom. He described the immigration climate as toxic and increasingly difficult, urging Nigerians to think carefully before relocating.

“Many depressed people. Many broken lives. Many broken homes. Many stranded families. Irreversible regret. Do not do it just because others are doing it. Think thrice before making the jump!” Olawale cautioned.

Quoting Olawale’s post, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for proper planning and realistic expectations before relocating.

“I hope this message resonates. We @nidcom_gov have been bombarded with many cases of regrets and depression,” she stated. She also echoed the popular saying, “The grass is not greener on the other side; it’s greener where you nurture it.”

Her remarks come amid Nigeria’s mass emigration wave, popularly known as “Japa”, driven by economic hardship, inflation, and the rising cost of living.

Dabiri-Erewa previously warned in 2024 that some Nigerians were relocating to countries with worse living conditions than Nigeria, urging prospective migrants to conduct thorough research before making life-altering decisions.

She has since called on social media influencers and bloggers to help spread awareness about the harsh realities many Nigerians face abroad.

“Please, we appeal to bloggers and influencers: Help us appeal to Nigerians that where you are running to may be worse than where you are running from,” she urged.

With rising cases of stranded Nigerians, deportations, and immigration crackdowns, experts continue to caution that migration should be a well-informed decision rather than a desperate escape from challenges at home.

“Favour Attracts Blessings” – Okafor

When you walk in God’s dominion through divine favour, nothing becomes impossible. Dominion empowers believers to reign in life, unlocking supernatural blessings.

Speaking at the 7 Sundays of Supernatural Help and charity service held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, the Senior Pastor, Dr. Chris Okafor, emphasized that God’s favour guarantees abundant blessings in the lives of His children.

Delivering a sermon on the topic “Advancing the Blessings Through Financial Dominion,” Dr. Okafor explained that to fully understand the connection between God’s blessings and financial dominion, one must recognize that divine blessings pave the way for prosperity.

“The blessings of God are the secret to favour, and favour, in turn, attracts more blessings,” the renowned prophet stated.

Dr. Okafor further highlighted that while parental blessings accelerate one’s journey to dominion, only God’s blessings lead to true greatness. He added that to experience financial dominion, believers must cultivate obedience, diligently follow divine instructions, maintain a pure heart, and commit to soul-winning for the Kingdom of God.

Quoting Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 72:8, he reinforced that with dominion, God’s favour and blessings locate His people effortlessly.

Deliverance, Miracles, and Restoration at the Prophetic Service

The prophetic service witnessed divine interventions, as death pronouncements were canceled, marriage battles were terminated, and lost inheritances were supernaturally restored.

During the realms of the prophetic, Dr. Okafor, under divine direction, ministered healing and deliverance. Evil altars were set ablaze, strongholds were broken, and captives were set free. It was a moment of supernatural encounter that left the congregation in awe of God’s power.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Testimonies

The March 9, 2025 service marked a historic day for Grace Nation, as the church recorded one of its highest numbers of first-time visitors. The overwhelming turnout reaffirmed the authenticity of God’s move through Dr. Chris Okafor. Countless testimonies poured in, glorifying God for the miraculous works witnessed during the service.

Ramadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence and former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has approved the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in cash to support 2.5 million residents of Zamfara State during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.

An aide to the minister, Malam Lawal Umar, PhD, confirmed the development, stating that Matawalle instructed that the relief package should be distributed without political bias, covering both opposition party members and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters. He emphasized that Zamfara State remains Matawalle’s priority, regardless of political affiliations.

This is not the first time Matawalle has provided financial relief to the people of Zamfara. In December 2024, during a visit to the state, he empowered over 2 million residents with more than ₦1 billion in palliatives to support small-scale businesses.

Since leaving office as governor, Matawalle has remained committed to assisting the people of Zamfara, strengthening party support, and promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.