The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has commended members of the Yoruba Nurses of North America (YORNNA) for their free healthcare scheme, describing the initiative as clear evidence that the much-criticised ‘Japa’ migration is now yielding positive returns for Nigeria.
The monarch said the mass movement of Nigerians abroad, which gained momentum about four years ago, has translated into increased remittances, investments and humanitarian interventions that are adding value to the national economy and improving the wellbeing of citizens at the grassroots.
Oba Gbadebo spoke on Tuesday at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, during the flag-off of YORNNA’s free medical outreach for residents of Ogun State.
According to him, money sent home by Nigerians in the diaspora has grown to such an extent that remittances now rank second only to oil revenue as a major source of income for the country.
“When our economy was nose-diving and our children began to travel abroad, there was fear and apprehension. Many people felt that everything about Japa must be bad,” the traditional ruler said.
“But today, we are seeing the good side. These same people are now coming back to support their communities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.”
The Alake noted that beyond financial remittances, many Nigerians in the diaspora were returning home as investors, industrialists and community leaders, bringing skills, exposure and capital that are driving development.
“Some of them are coming back as chiefs, traditional rulers and captains of industry. They are adding tremendous value to our economy,” he said.
He urged Nigerians not to stigmatise migration, stressing that those whose skills are in demand abroad should be allowed to explore opportunities and, in turn, give back to their people and the country.
“Let those who want to remain in the country do so. For those who want to travel abroad, let them go, succeed there and come back to support the wellbeing of their people and our economy,” Oba Gbadebo added.
The monarch praised YORNNA for what he described as selfless service to humanity, noting that the free medical outreach exemplified productive collaboration between Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
“One of the best things that has happened to our nation is our children who are all over the world doing well and deploying their hard-earned resources for the upliftment of others,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the Yoruba Nurses of North America, Dr Adebisi Allison, said the outreach reflected the association’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and promoting the wellbeing of Yoruba communities across the South-West, as well as parts of Kogi and Kwara states.
Dr Allison explained that the intervention also provides an avenue for Yoruba healthcare professionals in North America to give back to their roots by addressing critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
She identified major challenges confronting the sector as inadequate facilities and equipment, poor health literacy, limited access to services, high out-of-pocket expenses and a fragmented structure that prioritises tertiary healthcare over primary care.
“These challenges have continued to weaken the effectiveness of the health sector, despite the funds allocated to healthcare infrastructure,” she said.
According to her, YORNNA aims to bridge the gap by promoting equitable access to essential health services, encouraging community participation and fostering partnerships with government and other stakeholders.
Dr Allison disclosed that the association’s maiden free health mission was held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in 2023, while the second edition took place in Lagos State in 2024 across five locations.
“For this year, we have once again mobilised physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals for another free health mission in Ogun State,” she said.
She added that the exercise, scheduled for December 16 to 20, 2025, would be conducted in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Remo and Ijebu Imushin, offering services such as general medical check-ups, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, eye and dental care, breast cancer awareness, basic mental health counselling, free medication, distribution of palliatives and sponsorship of health insurance for patients requiring further care.
Dr Allison said YORNNA remains open to partnerships with individuals, corporate organisations, professional bodies, civic groups and religious institutions willing to support community health and wellbeing.
A 2024 report by the International Organisation for Migration indicated that about 2.1 million Nigerians are currently living abroad, with annual remittances estimated at $21bn, highlighting the growing economic relevance of the Nigerian diaspora.
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