Jack’s Empowerment and Inspiration: 277. WHAT’S THE ORIGIN OF JAPA? Jack’s Japa Empowerment - Nijaa Diaspora Empowerment - Baba Londoner - Empowering Immigrants

Saturday, 11 October 2025

277. WHAT’S THE ORIGIN OF JAPA? Jack’s Japa Empowerment - Nijaa Diaspora Empowerment - Baba Londoner - Empowering Immigrants - Carew

277. WHAT’S THE ORIGIN OF JAPA? Jack’s Japa Empowerment - Nijaa Diaspora Empowerment - Baba Londoner - Empowering Immigrants - Immigrant Empowerment - Wise Words For Immigrants - Jack Lookman - Rita Nnamani - Olayinka Carew - Japa Empowerment - Empowerment And Inspiration - Nigerian Immigrants - Empowering And Inspiring Generations - Nijaa To United Kingdom - Jack Lookman Limited - Nijaa To London - Baba London - Japa - Amebo - Ola Carew

Before it became a social media craze, "Japa" was simply another Yoruba phrase for "to run, escape, or flee." However, in today's Nigeria, the phrase has expanded beyond its literal definition. It embodies a generation's collective dissatisfaction and ambition—a people desperate for better systems, stability, and sanity.

However, as Africans, we are familiar with the concept of migration. Our parents and grandparents moved from rural areas to cities, in pursuit of better prospects. The only difference today is the destination; individuals go across continents rather than communities. The new kind of "Japa" is modernised migration driven by globalisation, social media exposure, and a keen knowledge that the world provides more than just your immediate surroundings. Moving overseas is often viewed as a survival strategy rather than a luxury.

However, we must maintain perspective. "Japa" should never be interpreted as an escape from duty, or a claim of superiority over those who stay at home. The root of the word may imply fleeing, yet the driving force behind migration should be purpose, not terror. When purpose motivates your actions, you prepare differently. You think long-term, organise your finances, understand the law, and make prudent transitions. When panic drives you, you merely run without direction, becoming frustrated even in the middle of abundance.

Interestingly, the global system has its own version of “Japa.” People in developed countries migrate too — from one city to another — seeking cheaper housing, better schools, or safer neighbourhoods. The key difference is that they migrate from strength to strength, while many Nigerians migrate from frustration to hope. If you understand this, you’ll also realise that “Japa” is not automatically success. It is simply a change of environment. What you do with that environment is what defines you.

Thank you very much to all our readers. You are much appreciated.

Have we missed any interesting topic? If so, What are your thoughts?

Will you consider following this blog to get live content as we post?

Will You consider collaborating with Jack Lookman?