Leaving Nigeria Should Be Your Top Priority, Skales Tells Youths

Afrobeats artiste Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, popularly known as Skales, has sparked a heated national debate following his recent comments urging Nigerian youths to prioritise emigration as a means of survival and self-actualisation.

In a statement shared via his official X handle on Thursday, the singer argued that leaving the country is the most viable path for young Nigerians to secure their lives and achieve their professional aspirations.

“As a young Nigerian, your biggest dream should be to leave Nigeria so you can survive and actually achieve your dream by at least staying alive,” the artiste posted.

The comment has drawn significant criticism from a cross-section of Nigerians, many of whom accused the musician of promoting brain drain and discouraging civic responsibility. Critics argued that, instead of advocating a mass exodus, public figures should focus on encouraging citizens to hold leadership accountable and to contribute to nation-building.