Encourage every young person around you to do all they can to leave Nigeria. See the world, get better education. Seek residency, even a second passport.

Look for every legitimate way to get into the part of the world that can provide the kind of life you desire. It will be difficult. But it is possible.

And it’s better to have that second option and determine you’ll rather be in Nigeria; better to have it and then not need it, than to be stuck in Nigeria and realize (when it’s already too late to get out) you made a big mistake not getting out. Not having an alternative.

Do it. It’s not just a career or economic decision. At this rate I’m thinking it’s a matter of life and death seeing the government cannot guarantee the most basic of citizens’ rights. All your dreams and ambition are null and void if you can’t even ‘live’.

And don’t feel guilty about leaving. They won’t tell you, but most of your leaders have this alternative.

Plus: every patriot leaves their country at some point. Some never return, only supporting from abroad. Others return permanently and use their experience to fix their country. And the rest find a way to balance both.

It was almost too late for me to realize this. I was one of those who swore never to live abroad. Always harassing my friends who moved to return home. Don’t be like me.

The world has become really small and interconnected. Read widely. Travel as much as you can afford. Look for the corner of the world that works best for you and make it home.

Be a good ambassador. and continue to play your part in making Nigeria better. When it’s time, you’ll be back and trust me - you’ll be in a better position to help Nigeria than you were before you left.

May God continue to bless Nigeria. But not at the expense of Nigerians. Amin.