BBNaija Star Elozonam Reflects on Japa Trend and Its Impact on Family and Friendships

Former BBNaija star Elozonam Ogbolu has opened up about the emotional toll Nigeria’s ongoing japa trend—where individuals leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad—has had on his relationships.

Speaking on the Uncoloured Podcast hosted by fellow BBNaija alum Venita, Elozonam detailed how the mass exodus of Nigerians since 2018 has strained his bond with family and friends, including his twin brother.

“This whole Nigerian situation is something else. Between 2018 and 2024, the first person who left was my boss with his family. It was like he opened the floodgates, and people just started leaving. I’m tired of people leaving,” he said.

Elozonam shared how his twin brother’s relocation abroad changed their once close-knit dynamic.

“Because we’re twins, we used to fight or disagree a lot. But after he left, there was nothing to fight about. Now I have to be intentional about calling him because there are weeks when I don’t hear from him. I’m annoyed, but I understand people have to go and build a better life for themselves.”

The reality TV star also expressed how difficult it has been to form new friendships in Nigeria, knowing they might not last as people continue to leave.

“You’re wary of making new friends because you don’t know if they’ll wake up and leave tomorrow. Nigeria isn’t getting any better. Everyone wants a good life for themselves and would leave someday.”

Elozonam’s reflections highlight the bittersweet reality faced by many Nigerians navigating life amid the ongoing japa wave.