People are now dying of loneliness – a stark warning from ADC governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour on the impact of Japa on Nigerian families. In a recent interview, Rhodes-Vivour highlighted how the wave of migration, once hailed as a pathway to prosperity, is now eroding the social fabric of homes across Lagos, Abuja and beyond. The emotional vacuum left by loved ones abroad is manifesting in rising cases of depression, isolation and, tragically, premature death. As the 2027 Lagos State governorship race heats up, this issue is moving from private grief to a public health concern that demands urgent policy attention. Understanding the impact of Japa on family dynamics The term “Japa” – a Yoruba slang meaning “to run away” – has become a cultural shorthand for the exodus of young Nigerians seeking better opportunities overseas. While remittances have historically bolstered household incomes, the impact of Japa is now being measured in broken relationships, unattended elders and children left without parental guidance. Rhodes-Vivour cited personal anecdotes: a mother in Ikorodu who lost her husband to Canada, a teenager in Enugu who now lives with a single aunt, and an elderly man in Port Harcourt who spends his days waiting for a call that never comes. These stories illustrate a shift from economic gain to emotional loss. Loneliness as a silent epidemic Medical professionals in Nigeria are reporting a surge in cases of chronic loneliness, especially among the elderly. Dr. Aisha Bello, a psychiatrist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, told Naija News that patients now present with symptoms once associated with terminal illness – loss of appetite, weakened immunity and, in extreme cases, cardiac complications – all linked to prolonged isolation. The World Health Organization defines loneliness as a risk factor comparable to smoking, yet local health policy still lacks a dedicated response. Rhodes-Vivour argues that the government must treat loneliness as a public health emergency, integrating mental‑health services into primary care and community outreach programmes. Economic paradox: remittances versus social cost Remittances to Nigeria reached a record $28 billion in 2025, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, providing vital support for education, health and small‑business start‑ups. However, the impact of Japa cannot be reduced to numbers alone. When a father sends $500 a month, his children may afford tuition, but the absence of his daily presence erodes discipline and emotional stability. A recent survey by the Nigerian Institute of Social Research (NISR) found that 62 % of households with a member abroad reported “increased family tension,” while 48 % admitted that the absent member’s role could not be replaced by money. Gendered dimensions of the migration wave Women are disproportionately affected by the impact of Japa. Female heads of households often shoulder the dual burden of earning income and providing emotional care. In the northern states, where cultural expectations already limit women’s mobility, the loss of a husband intensifies vulnerability to poverty and social stigma. Conversely, many young women are themselves part of the Japa trend, seeking education and work in Europe. Their departure leaves a void in community support networks, especially in rural areas where women traditionally manage communal activities such as market cooperatives and childcare groups. Community responses and grassroots initiatives Across Nigeria, NGOs and faith‑based organisations are stepping in to fill the gap. The “Home‑Heart” project in Ibadan partners with local churches to provide weekly counselling sessions for families of migrants. In Kano, the “Sadarwa” initiative offers mentorship programmes for youths whose parents have left for the Gulf states, pairing them with community elders. These efforts demonstrate that while the state’s response may be slow, civil society is already mobilising to mitigate the emotional fallout of the impact of Japa. Policy recommendations from Rhodes‑Vivour During his campaign launch, Rhodes‑Vivour outlined a three‑pronged strategy to address the crisis: National Loneliness Index: Establish a statistical framework to track loneliness‑related health outcomes, similar to the existing mental‑health indices in South Africa. Family Reintegration Grants: Offer short‑term financial incentives for diaspora Nigerians to return for extended family visits, encouraging physical reunions without permanent migration. Community Mental‑Health Hubs: Allocate federal funds to set up counselling centres in every local government area, staffed by trained psychologists and social workers. Rhodes‑Vivour emphasised that these measures must be paired with broader economic reforms to create decent jobs at home, reducing the push factors that fuel the Japa phenomenon. What the future holds for Nigerian families If the current trajectory continues, the emotional cost of migration could outweigh its financial benefits. Young Nigerians are already questioning whether the promise of a better life abroad is worth the sacrifice of family cohesion. As the 2027 elections approach, voters are likely to scrutinise candidates on their ability to protect the social wellbeing of households, not just their wallets. The conversation sparked by Rhodes‑Vivour may well become a decisive factor in shaping policy agendas across the continent, where similar migration patterns are evident in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. FAQ What does “Japa” mean? It is a colloquial Yoruba term meaning “to run away,” used to describe the migration of Nigerians abroad for work or study. How does the impact of Japa affect mental health? Prolonged separation can lead to chronic loneliness, depression, anxiety and even physical health decline among family members left behind. Are there any government programmes addressing this issue? As of 2026, there is no dedicated national strategy, but proposals such as a Loneliness Index and community mental‑health hubs are being advocated by politicians like Rhodes‑Vivour. For the full interview and more details, read the original report on Naija News. 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