In a heartfelt episode of the Uncolored Podcast, former BBNaija star Elozonam Ogbolu, popularly known as Elozonam, shared his perspective on the ongoing wave of Nigerians migrating abroad, widely referred to as the “japa” phenomenon. Elozonam’s reflections provide a glimpse into how this growing trend is reshaping personal connections and creating emotional distance among families, friends, and colleagues.
A Growing Exodus of Loved Ones
Elozonam revealed that the “japa” movement has deeply affected his circle, with an increasing number of friends, family members, and colleagues relocating in search of better opportunities overseas. Over the years, he has witnessed a steady outflow of people close to him, including his twin brother and other siblings, who have settled abroad.
This geographical separation, he explained, has significantly weakened familial bonds. “The distance has created a sense of isolation,” Elozonam admitted, emphasizing how challenging it has become to maintain the close-knit relationships he once enjoyed.
Economic Realities Fueling the Migration
Touching on the broader context, Elozonam highlighted Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions as a primary driver of the mass exodus. The country’s deepening economic crisis, he noted, has left many disillusioned and desperate for a better future, pushing them to seek stability outside Nigeria.
“Nigeria isn’t getting any better,” he lamented.
He shared a poignant timeline of how this trend has personally impacted him.
“Between 2018 and 2024, the first person to leave was my boss at my 9-to-5 job. We were close, but he moved to Canada with his family. That felt like the beginning of a floodgate—more and more people in my life started relocating abroad,” Elozonam recalled.
This domino effect has made it increasingly difficult for him to maintain meaningful connections, as many of his closest relationships have been disrupted by migration.
The Emotional Toll of Saying Goodbye
Elozonam also discussed the emotional burden of constantly bidding farewell to loved ones. The uncertainty of whether these relationships will withstand the strain of distance has left him cautious about opening up to new people.
“You become wary of making new friends because they might relocate abroad tomorrow,” he admitted.
This hesitance has led him to approach relationships on a surface level, avoiding deep connections out of fear that they might be short-lived.
“So everything is on the surface now. You can’t make real friends because they can relocate anytime,” Elozonam said, reflecting on the challenges of navigating relationships in an era defined by transience.
A Societal Shift
Elozonam’s candid revelations highlight the far-reaching impact of Nigeria’s “japa” culture—not just on individuals but on the fabric of society itself. The mass migration trend, while a testament to people’s resilience and desire for better opportunities, has also left behind a trail of emotional fragmentation, weaker ties, and a growing sense of isolation.
As more Nigerians embark on the journey for greener pastures, Elozonam’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices and relational challenges that accompany this pursuit of a better life.