Govt Urged To Prioritise Youth Development To Stem Brain Drain
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Christiana Okafor, a Nigerian-UK based council worker and sister to Nuel Ojei, shared her thoughts on the role of Nigerians in the diaspora in contributing to the country’s development.
In this interview with Trek Africa Newspaper, Okafor emphasised the need for the Nigerian government to prioritise youth development, stating that this would curb the increasing trend of young Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad.
The conversation also touched on a personal matter, with Okafor weighing in on the controversy surrounding the paternity of Chi-Chi, calling for a DNA test to be conducted to determine if Nuel Ojei is indeed the father.
The ongoing brain drain of Nigerian youths and medical professionals raises concerns about the country’s future. Is this exodus a necessary step for individual growth, or a setback for Nigeria’s development? What are the implications for the country’s economy, healthcare, and over all progress?
On the issue of Nigerians, especially youths and professionals, leaving the country, I would say it is not an ideal development. While many seek better opportunities abroad, the reality is that life outside the country is not always as easy as it appears. Some individuals face serious challenges and, unfortunately, feel ashamed to return home.
I believe we should give the current government the opportunity to fulfill its promises, especially to the youth. As Nigerians in the diaspora, we remain hopeful and prayerful that the country will improve.
It is important that we continue to pray for our leaders because there are no perfect leaders. When leadership succeeds, we all share in the pride of our nation; when it fails, we all bear the consequences.
Having been in abroad for some decades , what impact have Nigerians in diaspora had on the country’s development, and how can their contribution be maximized?
Nigerians in the diaspora have made significant contributions to the development of their home country over the years. One of the most notable impacts is through financial remittances, which support families, boost local businesses, and contribute to the national economy.
Beyond financial support, many diaspora Nigerians are actively involved in development projects and programmes. These include investments in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, real estate, and technology. They also establish foundations and Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) that focus on community development.
Take for instance, l belong to a community group known as Ugochukwu Nyenyi Club, which was established in London, with an active branch Ugochukwu Nye Anyi Club INT. UK. Ibusa.
The patron’s name is Oboli 1, he has been very supportive and instrumental in community development, which is why he was honored with that title.
We are deeply committed to the development of our community in Delta State.
How often do you visit Nigeria, and what message do you have for families who have not visited their homeland in while?
Regarding my visits home, my family has made it a priority to visit Nigeria at least twice a year. However, my current visit is particularly significant as it is related to the burial preparations of my late brother, Dr. Emmanuel Isichie Ugochukwu Ojei, popularly known as Nuel Ojei, who passed away recently.
Although much of the planning had been done collectively online, it became necessary for me to come in person to assess the situation on the ground. This visit also gave me the opportunity to meet physically with the Obi of Issele-Uku, elders, and extended family in Issele-Uku, which is very important in matters of this nature.
Additionally, my visit was to help address certain challenges facing the family, some of which have already been reported in the media. These are issues we would not have wished our late brother to experience, even in death, though he had faced some of them while alive.
There is an ongoing family concern involving an individual known as Chi-Chi, who has been at the center of these challenges. She had previously taken the entire family to court over allegations of defamation, but the case was dismissed. The court in Maraba fined her the sum of five million naira due to lack of evidence.
Her conduct towards family members, elders, and associates has been deeply troubling and widely questioned. Based on these concerns, the family, with the support of elders, has called for a DNA test to clarify certain issues. This decision is not taken lightly but is considered necessary given the circumstances.
Furthermore, in line with our customs and traditions in Issele-Uku, certain responsibilities, such as burial traditionally handled by the first son, he make sure the late father’s corpse is well kept, he buys the casket and point out his hand where he will be burial .
However, there have been actions that appear to override these established traditions, which has further complicated the situation.
Our goal remains to ensure that due process, respect for tradition, and family unity are upheld during this our difficult time.
This same Chi-Chi, backed by her mother, Vivian Obaseki, went as far as submitting a petition to the police in Abuja, falsely accusing her aunt, Afoma, and her brother, Chuks, of allegedly killing Dr. Nuel Ojei and hiding his corpse.
Fortunately, I was personally with my sister Afoma during my visit two weeks ago when the police came to arrest her. This experience was both shocking and disturbing.
The manner in which arrests are sometimes carried out by the Nigeria Police truly calls for the urgent attention of the Inspector General of Police. Allegations of such grave nature should be thoroughly investigated before any arrest is made. It is important to consider the credibility and history of the complainant.
Chi-Chi is widely known to have had multiple conflicts with family members and even staff of Nuel Ojei Holdings. This pattern alone should have prompted a more careful review of her claims before taking action against innocent individuals.
It is also very strange and raises serious concern that out of all the siblings and children of Dr. Nuel Ojei, it is only Chi-Chi and her mother who claim to be searching for his corpse and making such allegations. One must ask—how is it possible that they are the only ones raising such claims? This contradiction further calls into question the credibility and intent behind their petition.
It is also worth noting that this same Chi-Chi once assaulted a Mobile Police (MOPOL) officer working at the residence in Issele-Uku, going as far as stripping him of his uniform for days. It took the intervention of Dipo in Issele-Uku, then, who contacted my late brother, for the situation to be resolved after he personally instructed her to release the uniform.
The Ojei family has always been known as a peaceful and loving family. This is clearly reflected in a letter written by my father in 1984 to all his children, after Vivian Obaseki became part of the family.
On the other hand, my family wish to sincerely express their heartfelt gratitude to the Governor of Delta State for his kind promise to ensure the repair of the road ahead of the burial of our beloved brother, Dr. Nuel Ojei.
During my recent visit to Issele-Uku, I personally visited the site, and this commitment was clearly reassuring and deeply appreciated.
This thoughtful gesture means a great deal to the entire Ojei Family, and we are truly grateful for the concern and support shown during this important time.
