Big Brother Naija reality star Elozonam has opened up about the impact of the “japa” culture on relationships in Nigeria, particularly how it has personally affected him. In a recent episode of the ‘Uncolored’ podcast, he discussed the phenomenon of young Nigerians relocating abroad in search of better opportunities and how this trend has strained his connections with family and friends.
Elozonam revealed that his relationships with his twin brother and other siblings have suffered since their relocation. He expressed a sense of loss and disconnection, highlighting the emotional toll that distance can take on familial bonds. The reality star noted that the shift has made him more cautious about forming new friendships, as he fears that potential friends may also choose to leave Nigeria, given the current challenges in the country.
“The economic hardship in Nigeria is unbearable,” he stated, acknowledging the broader implications of the situation. While he mentioned that he may not have been the most affected, he recognized that many of his relationships have been impacted by the prevailing circumstances.
Elozonam’s reflections shed light on the complexities of navigating personal relationships in a time when many are seeking to escape the difficulties faced in Nigeria. His insights resonate with the sentiments of many young Nigerians grappling with the realities of life in a country facing economic challenges, illustrating the emotional ramifications of the “japa” culture on social connections and family dynamics.
Elozonam shared his personal experiences regarding the significant changes in his relationships between 2018 and 2024, particularly emphasizing the impact of the “japa” culture. He recounted how the first major loss in his life was his boss, with whom he had developed a close relationship while working a 9-5 job. His boss relocated to Canada with his family, marking the beginning of a trend where many people in Elozonam’s life began to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad.
He expressed that this initial departure seemed to open the floodgates, leading to a wave of friends and acquaintances also choosing to relocate. This phenomenon has profoundly affected his social landscape, making him more cautious about forming new friendships. Elozonam articulated a sense of wariness, stating, “The inherent effect of that is that you’re now too wary of making new friends because they might relocate abroad tomorrow.”
This uncertainty has led to a shift in how he interacts with others, as he feels that relationships are now often superficial. “So everything is on the surface level now; you can’t make real friends because they can relocate anytime,” he explained. The fear of losing connections has created a barrier to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Elozonam’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among many Nigerians who are witnessing their social circles shrink as friends and family members leave the country in search of better lives. He concluded with a poignant observation, stating, “Nigeria is not getting any better. We all know this,” underscoring the collective awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by the nation. His reflections resonate with the feelings of loss and uncertainty experienced by many in similar situations, highlighting the emotional toll of the current socio-economic climate in Nigeria.
