(Skales. Photo by Daily Post)
Popular Afrobeats artist Skales, whose real name is Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, has sparked public debate after advising Nigerian youths to prioritize relocating abroad above all else.
The singer expressed his view online, stating that leaving Nigeria is the surest way for young people to stay safe and stand a real chance of fulfilling their ambitions.
He essentially argued that mere survival is difficult within the country.
His comments, however, did not sit well with a large portion of the public, triggering a wave of criticism online.
Many respondents accused him of promoting brain drain rather than channeling his influence toward demanding better governance and accountability from Nigerian leaders.
A number of critics also challenged his assertion that life abroad automatically offers security and opportunity, pointing out that Nigerians living overseas face their own serious challenges, including racial discrimination.
Others took particular issue with what they perceived as ingratitude, arguing that Nigeria and its people were instrumental in giving Skales the platform and fame he enjoys today.
Among the reactions, one user questioned whether encouraging people to leave solves any problem or simply compounds existing ones.
Another pushed back on the idea that relocating to predominantly white countries guarantees safety, suggesting that racism alone undermines that claim.
A third commenter expressed disappointment that someone who benefited enormously from Nigeria’s opportunities would speak disparagingly about the country.
Others took a more patriotic stance, insisting that the solution lies in staying, contributing, and rebuilding arguing that Nigeria’s problems stem from its people’s choices, not the land itself.
