Osekwe Deborah

Social Media and the ''Japa'' Movement

The "japa" movement has become a prominent trend among Nigeria's youth population in recent years. A Nigerian slang phrase known as "japa" means roughly "run away" or "escape." It is now synonymous with the notion that young Nigerians are migrating illegally in order to pursue opportunities overseas. Even if there are many other reasons for the "japa" movement, social media had a significant impact on how it was shaped, popularized, and spread. The article will examine how social media, both as a forum for sharing experiences and as a motivator for desires to immigrate, has been crucial to the "japa" movement. We will also explore how this digital influence has affected societal attitudes and habits.