Veteran Nollywood actor and social commentator Ugezu J. Ugezu has sparked a heated debate online after sharing a post cautioning Nigerians about the risks of the ongoing “JAPA” trend — the mass emigration of skilled professionals from Nigeria in search of greener pastures abroad.
In a thought-provoking post on social media, Ugezu recounted the story of a Nigerian medical doctor who sold his clinic and relocated to the United States, only to end up working as a butcher in a meat shop. According to the actor, the once-respected physician now hides from fellow Nigerians in his new city to avoid shame and embarrassment.
“In the name of JAPA, a practicing medical doctor in Nigeria sold his clinic and relocated to the US. Guess what? He now works as a butcher in a meat shop, hiding from Nigerians to avoid being noticed… FOR HOW LONG?” the post reads.
Ugezu’s message serves as a stark reminder that life abroad may not always be as glamorous as portrayed on social media. “A lot of things are not really the way they appear. BE GUIDED,” he urged.
The post has ignited a wave of reactions online, with many netizens praising Ugezu for speaking boldly on the issue, while others questioned the validity and intent behind the story.
As Nigeria continues to experience a mass exodus of professionals due to economic hardship and insecurity, Ugezu’s post is a timely call for reflection — urging potential migrants to weigh their decisions carefully and seek clarity beyond the illusion of greener pastures.
