Canada’s recent decision to end its ten-year automatic visa program for Nigerians and other nationals marks a pivotal moment for African nations and their citizens seeking to relocate, study, or work abroad.
This move reflects a growing trend among Western nations tightening entry requirements, particularly for African applicants.
Senator Shehu Sani’s response to this situation underscores the importance of facing these challenges by addressing them within one’s home country.
The Western world's approach to immigration has shifted noticeably in recent years, and Africa has been significantly affected by these changes.
With increasing far-right influences in Western politics, nations are adopting stricter immigration policies.
This shift has led to a noticeable disparity, as certain nationalities, like Saudis, Qataris, Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese, do not face the same restrictions imposed on many African applicants.
This preferential treatment highlights an underlying issue: systemic exclusion and institutionalized rejection.
Senator Sani’s statement, “Your country is where you belong.
We make it better or we continue to face this systemic rejection and institutionalized humiliation,” calls for introspection and a collective effort to improve Africa.
He emphasizes that Africans have a choice—to stay and work towards building a better future for their homeland or to continue enduring the challenges and disappointments of seeking acceptance elsewhere.
This situation raises essential questions about the aspirations of Africans who seek opportunities abroad.
The desire to migrate, often colloquially referred to as "japa," reflects the quest for a better quality of life, higher income, and stable governance.
However, the recent visa restrictions are a stark reminder that, despite these aspirations, the path to Western nations is not as accessible as it once was.
The idea of "japa" stems from the difficulties many Africans face within their own countries.
High unemployment rates, poor infrastructure, limited access to quality education, and political instability are some of the factors that drive people to seek opportunities abroad.
The image of Western nations as havens of prosperity and stability has made them desirable destinations for those seeking a fresh start.
Yet, Senator Sani’s remarks highlight a critical perspective: if the energy and resources Africans invest in moving abroad were directed towards solving issues at home, Africa could potentially be a continent of opportunities.
To create a better future within African countries, there must be collective action.
Government officials, citizens, and private sectors need to collaborate to address issues that push people towards the West.
This could mean investing in education, providing access to healthcare, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring political stability.
By addressing these core issues, African nations can retain their talent and reduce the desire for mass migration.
Improving the quality of life within African countries can make staying an attractive option for its citizens.
This change, however, cannot happen overnight. It requires dedicated effort, long-term planning, and a commitment from both leaders and citizens. Each individual has a role to play in shaping the future of their country, whether by participating in community development, engaging in social and political discourse, or creating innovative solutions to existing problems.
Senator Sani’s words echo a broader sentiment felt across the African continent. His call to make Africa a place where people want to stay rather than leave is both inspiring and challenging.
It asks individuals to believe in their country’s potential and to contribute to its growth. His message speaks to the power of collective action and self-determination in overcoming adversity.
In conclusion, the visa restrictions imposed by Western countries should serve as a wake-up call.
Instead of seeing these barriers as setbacks, Africans can view them as an opportunity to reflect on their aspirations and consider how they can contribute to the development of their own countries.
The journey towards a prosperous Africa requires unity, resilience, and a commitment to building a continent where people are proud to live and thrive.
As Senator Sani so aptly put it, “Your country is where you belong.” It’s up to each individual to either make it better or continue facing systemic rejection and institutionalized humiliation abroad.
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