As Nigeria continues to grapple with the wave of mass emigration, popularly known as japa, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Life Sanctuary, is set to stage and explore all dimensions of Nigeria’s migration crisis.
The Japa Conference, themed: “Exploring All Dimensions of the Japa Syndrome in Nigeria”, is scheduled to take place in May at the Church auditorium in Lagos.
The one-day gathering is aimed at unpacking the deep-rooted causes and consequences of Nigeria’s migration crisis.
The event will bring together thought leaders, policy experts, faith leaders, professionals, and everyday Nigerians to unpack both the hard (economic and structural) and soft (psychological, emotional, and faith-based) issues surrounding migration.
Convener and Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province 27, Pastor Noruwa Edokpolo, emphasised the urgency of the moment. “Japa is more than a buzzword—it’s a national reality that touches every family, sector, and soul,” he declared at a recent press briefing.
Edokpolo noted that contrary to assumptions that the church might be discouraging migration, Edokpolo clarified that the goal is neither to endorse nor oppose emigration.
“People will migrate anyway. Whether we hold a conference or not, they are going,” he stated. “So we are saying—if you must go, let’s talk about this. So you know how to go, where to go, and when to go. And if you must stay behind, these are the opportunities available here,” he said.
The heart of the Japa Conference, according to Edokpolo, is informed decision-making.
“What I find is that information flow is not smooth. Most people are making decisions with inadequate information. We want to provide a platform where, in one frame, you can see everything that has to do with JAPA,” he stated.
He noted that the event will feature two interactive sessions—one tackling Nigeria’s structural challenges like brain drain and insecurity, the other diving into emotional issues such as family disconnection and faith struggles.
“We are not trying to force a choice between staying or going. We are saying, understand the full picture. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, or student, whatever affects the people affects us. And we must help them choose wisely,” he added.
He asserted that the Japa Conference arrives as a timely intervention that centers humanity, faith, and wisdom in the conversation.
“For RCCG-FOLS, the issue isn’t just economic—it is deeply spiritual and emotional too. Today, we are talking about JAPA. Tomorrow, it could be something else. Destinies are being altered—sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. Those who should stay are going, and those who should go are staying. The result is confusion, regret, and lost purpose,” he stated.
