TMPL’s ‘Japada’ Hopes to Spark Conversations for a Better Nigeria

Vanessa Obioha

At a time when Nigeria is battling the effects of migration (Japa), TMPL Motion Pictures is betting on the power of storytelling to shift the conversation. Its new television show, ‘Japada,’ seeks to inspire optimism by spotlighting Nigerians who returned home to invest their skills and talents in nation-building.

Kolawole Fashola, Supervising Producer, describes the project as more than entertainment. “‘Japada’ is an inspired idea. The production of the TV show was essential, and the story was eagerly awaiting its telling. We took it on as a national assignment to kick-start conversations about nation-building, especially among young people. We hope to spark optimism and encourage a collective effort toward building a better Nigeria,” he said.

Hosted by media personality Mimi Onalaja, ‘Japada’ premiered nationwide on Friday, October 3, 2025, on NTA and TVC News in primetime. The show takes a deep dive into the reverse-migration journeys of returnees, exploring how their global exposure has shaped their contributions to local growth and development.

Among the notable guests are Prof. Kofo Ogunyakin and Dr. Yemi Johnson, who returned from the UK and US to establish First Cardiology Consultants, now a leading heart-care facility in the country. Nollywood stars Shaffy Bello and Osas Ighodaro also share their decisions to leave behind the allure of greener pastures and carve enduring legacies in the Nigerian film industry.

With its mix of intimate conversations and a lighthearted “Nigerian by Design” game segment, ‘Japada’ aims to connect across generations and sectors. By doing so, it hopes to remind viewers that Nigeria’s future can be strengthened not only by those who leave, but also by those who return to build.