Guess Who is Back?
Brilliant Citizen: Wow! It has been ages, where have you been?
Economist: Yes, I was on “invisible mode” here for a while. But I have been quite busy.
Brilliant Citizen: At some point, I thought you “japaded” and left me in this country.
Economist: No, we are here and remain hopeful while doing our part.
Brilliant Citizen: You are always optimistic and positive! So, what are some of the things you have been doing?
Economist: I certainly voted during the last elections in February.
Brilliant Citizen: Of course, you had to vote. You are the one that asked me to get my voter’s card while I was planning to japa — International Passport vs Voters card https://medium.com/@esthermoyin/international-passport-vs-voters-card-c0144739fbac
Well, as you can see, I am still here so I listened to you and voted too.
Economist: Good to know, I like that you voted. What about your travel plans?
Brilliant Citizen: Let us not talk about that now. I am working on it but… Anyway, tell me, what else have you been doing? You are the one that was invisible.
Economist: I started another program at Harvard Kennedy School, focused on Public Policy and it has been amazing!
Brilliant Citizen: This is your third program if I recall correctly. You really like to read ooo.
Economist: I believe in continuous learning. So, I look out for opportunities to continue to develop myself.
Brilliant Citizen: When I grow up, I want to be like you *grinning*. I trust it has been worth it?
Economist: Yes, it has been great! It is still ongoing, and I have met various public policy experts from across Africa and other continents! They are all working to solve complex challenges in their country.
Brilliant Citizen: Hmmm, so it is not only Nigeria that has complex problems? I still believe it is better in other countries.
Economist: Every country has its own challenges and we need people to solve them. Not only government, we need all stakeholders…
Brilliant Citizen: You are truly back! I must confess I missed you, all your economic analysis and advocacy. Please update me on our country, so many things are happening this season — fuel subsidy removal, forex unification and others. While I still plan to japa, let me stay informed.
Economist: You are correct, a lot has happened. I was on TV to share on some of them. Let me share the links with you so you can watch the comprehensive analyses.
Reading Nigeria’s Macros, Markets and Rates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJh10umPF_c
Future Forward Economy Beyond Rate Hike https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8bJVXySktw
Brilliant Citizen: These look very interesting. I will watch them. Hope you kept them simple. You know all these economic terms…
Economist: I tried to. Let me know if you need any clarifications.
Brilliant Citizen: I would do! I hope to see you soon. What are you working on, I suspect you have something coming up …?
Economist: I have some things I am working on. I think you will like it. It could even help you “japa” plans. But you need wait.
Brilliant Citizen: I do not trust you helping my “japa” plans. You will prefer I stay here and build Nigeria or Africa! I will wait for it though.
Economist: You know me well. I will see you soon. Take care.
*Japa is the relocation of Nigerians to other countries, mostly developed countries like the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and others. It is usually driven out of a desire for a better life through education or getting another citizenship.
Special thanks to Wale Olusi and Abraham Afariogun for their contribution to this article.
