Reality TV star and media personality Tacha Akide has ignited heated debates on social media after openly criticising her generation of Nigerians, describing them as the “dumbest and most cowardly.”
Her remarks were targeted at the growing “Japa” trend, where thousands of young Nigerians leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
In a passionate social media post, the Big Brother Naija alum, who herself recently relocated to the United Kingdom, accused young Nigerians of lacking the courage and resolve to fix their country.
Tacha questioned their patriotism, drawing a controversial comparison between today’s youth and previous generations who, according to her, were more willing to fight for Nigeria’s future.Let me know if you’d like versions tailored for print, social media, or broadcast
“Listen, my generation of Nigerians is the dumbest and most cowardly,” she wrote. Funny how we blame the ones before us for ruining Nigeria, but at least they had the guts to fight. Ex-president Buhari in his 20s was part of a coup fighting for what he believed in. But what’s today’s 20-year-olds up to? Japa. Believe me when I say, we’ve not just failed the next generation… we’ve buried it.”
Tacha’s remarks immediately went viral, sparking mixed reactions. While some social media users applauded her for what they viewed as brutal honesty and a wake-up call, others criticized her for hypocrisy, pointing out that she now lives abroad, ironically participating in the same Japa culture she condemned.
Tacha’s comments touch on a growing generational divide in Nigeria. Many young Nigerians feel disillusioned by the country’s persistent economic struggles, insecurity, corruption, and lack of opportunities, factors fueling the mass exodus known as the Japa wave.
However, critics argue that leaving the country shouldn’t be equated with cowardice. For many, Japa is not a rejection of patriotism, but a necessary move for survival and self-fulfillment in a system that has consistently failed them.
Tacha’s post adds a provocative voice to an ongoing national conversation, one that raises important questions about civic responsibility, youth empowerment, and the balance between staying to fix a broken system versus seeking a better life elsewhere.
As Nigeria continues to battle brain drain, rising unemployment, and political unrest, the Japa dilemma remains one of the defining debates of this generation.
