Exodus to Cairo: Have Nigerians Given Up on Nigeria?

Nigerians are increasingly leaving their homeland, a trend that writer Usman Sarki likens to the ancient "Exodus out of Egypt to the Promised Land." This movement signifies a departure from "bondage, uncertainty and oppression" towards an as-yet-undefined future, prompting questions about the nation's current state and its citizens' faith in it.

The article posits that this migration may signal a growing sense of disillusionment among Nigerians with their country's prospects. The decision to leave one's homeland is often driven by a complex interplay of factors, including economic hardship, security concerns, and a lack of opportunity, suggesting these may be at play.

Referencing John Buchan, the piece highlights the foundational role of wealth in civilization. Buchan's assertion that "The basis of every civilisation is wealth - wealth to provide the background of leisure, which in turn is the basis of culture in a commercial world" underscores the economic underpinnings necessary for societal progress and cultural development.

By invoking the Exodus narrative and Buchan's quote, Sarki frames the current Nigerian emigration not merely as a personal choice but as a potential societal commentary. The "Exodus to Cairo" title suggests a search for a new beginning, prompting reflection on whether Nigerians are, in essence, giving up on Nigeria.

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The basis of every civilisation is wealth - wealth to provide the background of leisure, which in turn is the basis of culture in a commercial world.