In a recent thread on social media platform X, investigative journalist David Hundeyin sparked a firestorm of debate by alleging that a seemingly innocuous media series, “1000 Ways to Japa,” published by Zikoko Citizen, is part of a sophisticated foreign campaign to socially engineer Nigerian youth. Hundeyin claims that the series, which details the emigration journeys of young Nigerians, is funded by Luminate, a philanthropic arm of the Omidyar Network, which he labels a “CIA affiliate.” His argument: a foreign government is using media to encourage Nigeria’s youth to flee their homeland, undermining the country’s social cohesion, sovereignty, and economic stability. But how much of this holds up under scrutiny? As Nigeria grapples with a growing “japa” (emigration) trend, this article explores the implications of Hundeyin’s claims for stakeholders in media, governance, and civil society.
The “1000 Ways to Japa” Series: A Closer Look
Zikoko Citizen, a platform under Big Cabal Media, targets Nigeria’s Gen Z with content on politics, policy, and civic engagement. Its “1000 Ways to Japa” series, launched in October 2024, has published weekly stories about young Nigerians navigating emigration. According to Hundeyin, 28 of the 30 stories focus on moving to Western countries (the US, UK, Canada, and Western Europe), with only one each covering China and Rwanda. The series, promoted on platforms like Nairaland, has raised eyebrows for its apparent emphasis on Western destinations.
For many young Nigerians, “japa” is more than a buzzword—it’s a cultural phenomenon driven by economic hardship (33% youth unemployment in 2023), insecurity, and inflation (34.2% in April 2025). Zikoko’s series taps into this zeitgeist, offering relatable narratives that resonate with its audience. But Hundeyin sees a darker motive: a deliberate push to normalize emigration to the West, funded by foreign entities with ulterior motives.
The Funding Trail: Luminate and the Omidyar Network
At the heart of Hundeyin’s claims is Luminate, a philanthropic organization under the Omidyar Network, founded by eBay billionaire Pierre Omidyar. Luminate supports initiatives promoting governance, media transparency, and civic empowerment globally, including Nigerian outlets like Zikoko Citizen, Premium Times, and Sahara Reporters. For example, the Omidyar Network provided $450,000 to Sahara Reporters in 2011 to bolster citizen journalism. Zikoko Citizen’s 2025 Report, produced with TechCabal Insights and backed by Luminate, examines misinformation and digital threats, noting that 62% of Nigerian youth avoid political participation due to disinformation.
Hundeyin’s bombshell accusation—that the Omidyar Network is a CIA affiliate orchestrating a campaign to destabilize Nigeria—has stirred debate. While Luminate’s funding of Nigerian media is well-documented, the “CIA front” label lacks concrete evidence. Critics of Western-funded NGOs often point to soft power tactics, citing historical examples like U.S. cultural diplomacy during the Cold War. Yet, equating philanthropy to intelligence operations requires more than funding disclosures. Luminate’s stated mission aligns with combating misinformation and fostering civic engagement, not promoting emigration.
Premium Times and Sahara Reporters: Allies or Agents?
Hundeyin also links Premium Times and Sahara Reporters to the Omidyar Network, suggesting they form part of a network of foreign-influenced media. Both outlets are known for investigative journalism exposing corruption and governance failures in Nigeria. Sahara Reporters, founded by Omoyele Sowore in 2006, operates from New York, leveraging U.S. protections to report on issues Nigerian authorities often suppress. Premium Times, based in Nigeria, has faced harassment for its exposés but continues to break significant stories.
Western funding of African media is common, as local outlets struggle with low ad revenue and government pressure. Omidyar’s support for these platforms raises legitimate questions about editorial independence, but it doesn’t inherently prove a CIA-driven agenda. Both outlets have earned credibility for holding power to account, though their critical stance on the Nigerian government fuels suspicion of foreign bias.
The Bigger Picture: Social Cohesion and Sovereignty
Hundeyin argues that promoting emigration through media undermines Nigeria’s social cohesion, sovereignty, and economic stability. The brain drain is a real concern: Nigeria loses thousands of skilled professionals annually, with doctors, engineers, and tech workers flocking to Western countries. The 2025 Citizen Report notes that 91% of English-speaking Nigerians access news online, making platforms like Zikoko influential in shaping perceptions. A series glorifying “japa” could amplify the desire to leave, potentially exacerbating this trend.
However, the roots of “japa” lie in Nigeria’s domestic challenges—unemployment, insecurity, and poor governance—not foreign media campaigns. Zikoko’s series likely reflects audience demand for emigration stories, not a coordinated plot. Paid promotions on Nairaland, while suspicious to Hundeyin, are standard digital marketing tactics. Still, foreign funding of media warrants scrutiny, as it can subtly prioritize donor agendas over local needs.
Critical Reflections: Conspiracy or Coincidence?
Hundeyin’s claims tap into a broader skepticism about Western influence in Africa, a valid concern given historical precedents. Yet, his narrative risks oversimplification. The “1000 Ways to Japa” series could be a commercially savvy move by Zikoko to capitalize on a trending topic, not a CIA-orchestrated scheme. The focus on Western destinations mirrors the preferences of Nigerian emigrants, who favor countries with established diaspora communities and economic opportunities.
That said, foreign funding of media is a double-edged sword. While it enables investigative journalism and civic engagement, it can shape narratives in ways that align with donor interests. The lack of transparency in how funding influences editorial decisions fuels distrust. Without direct evidence of CIA involvement, Hundeyin’s claims remain speculative, but they highlight the need for vigilance in an era of globalized media.
Recommendations for Stakeholders
Media Transparency: Outlets like Zikoko should disclose funding sources and editorial processes clearly to build trust and counteraccusations of foreign influence.
Media Literacy: Civil society must promote critical media literacy among Nigerian youth, encouraging them to question narratives and recognize biases, whether local or foreign.
Addressing Root Causes: The Nigerian government should prioritize tackling unemployment, insecurity, and inflation to reduce the “Japa” impulse, shifting focus from external scapegoats to internal reforms.
Independent Oversight: Stakeholders in media and governance should advocate for mechanisms to monitor foreign funding without stifling press freedom, ensuring accountability without censorship.
The “1000 Ways to Japa” Series: A Closer Look
Zikoko Citizen, a platform under Big Cabal Media, targets Nigeria’s Gen Z with content on politics, policy, and civic engagement. Its “1000 Ways to Japa” series, launched in October 2024, has published weekly stories about young Nigerians navigating emigration. According to Hundeyin, 28 of the 30 stories focus on moving to Western countries (the US, UK, Canada, and Western Europe), with only one each covering China and Rwanda. The series, promoted on platforms like Nairaland, has raised eyebrows for its apparent emphasis on Western destinations.
For many young Nigerians, “japa” is more than a buzzword—it’s a cultural phenomenon driven by economic hardship (33% youth unemployment in 2023), insecurity, and inflation (34.2% in April 2025). Zikoko’s series taps into this zeitgeist, offering relatable narratives that resonate with its audience. But Hundeyin sees a darker motive: a deliberate push to normalize emigration to the West, funded by foreign entities with ulterior motives.
The Funding Trail: Luminate and the Omidyar Network
At the heart of Hundeyin’s claims is Luminate, a philanthropic organization under the Omidyar Network, founded by eBay billionaire Pierre Omidyar. Luminate supports initiatives promoting governance, media transparency, and civic empowerment globally, including Nigerian outlets like Zikoko Citizen, Premium Times, and Sahara Reporters. For example, the Omidyar Network provided $450,000 to Sahara Reporters in 2011 to bolster citizen journalism. Zikoko Citizen’s 2025 Report, produced with TechCabal Insights and backed by Luminate, examines misinformation and digital threats, noting that 62% of Nigerian youth avoid political participation due to disinformation.
Hundeyin’s bombshell accusation—that the Omidyar Network is a CIA affiliate orchestrating a campaign to destabilize Nigeria—has stirred debate. While Luminate’s funding of Nigerian media is well-documented, the “CIA front” label lacks concrete evidence. Critics of Western-funded NGOs often point to soft power tactics, citing historical examples like U.S. cultural diplomacy during the Cold War. Yet, equating philanthropy to intelligence operations requires more than funding disclosures. Luminate’s stated mission aligns with combating misinformation and fostering civic engagement, not promoting emigration.
Premium Times and Sahara Reporters: Allies or Agents?
Hundeyin also links Premium Times and Sahara Reporters to the Omidyar Network, suggesting they form part of a network of foreign-influenced media. Both outlets are known for investigative journalism exposing corruption and governance failures in Nigeria. Sahara Reporters, founded by Omoyele Sowore in 2006, operates from New York, leveraging U.S. protections to report on issues Nigerian authorities often suppress. Premium Times, based in Nigeria, has faced harassment for its exposés but continues to break significant stories.
Western funding of African media is common, as local outlets struggle with low ad revenue and government pressure. Omidyar’s support for these platforms raises legitimate questions about editorial independence, but it doesn’t inherently prove a CIA-driven agenda. Both outlets have earned credibility for holding power to account, though their critical stance on the Nigerian government fuels suspicion of foreign bias.
The Bigger Picture: Social Cohesion and Sovereignty
Hundeyin argues that promoting emigration through media undermines Nigeria’s social cohesion, sovereignty, and economic stability. The brain drain is a real concern: Nigeria loses thousands of skilled professionals annually, with doctors, engineers, and tech workers flocking to Western countries. The 2025 Citizen Report notes that 91% of English-speaking Nigerians access news online, making platforms like Zikoko influential in shaping perceptions. A series glorifying “japa” could amplify the desire to leave, potentially exacerbating this trend.
However, the roots of “japa” lie in Nigeria’s domestic challenges—unemployment, insecurity, and poor governance—not foreign media campaigns. Zikoko’s series likely reflects audience demand for emigration stories, not a coordinated plot. Paid promotions on Nairaland, while suspicious to Hundeyin, are standard digital marketing tactics. Still, foreign funding of media warrants scrutiny, as it can subtly prioritize donor agendas over local needs.
Critical Reflections: Conspiracy or Coincidence?
Hundeyin’s claims tap into a broader skepticism about Western influence in Africa, a valid concern given historical precedents. Yet, his narrative risks oversimplification. The “1000 Ways to Japa” series could be a commercially savvy move by Zikoko to capitalize on a trending topic, not a CIA-orchestrated scheme. The focus on Western destinations mirrors the preferences of Nigerian emigrants, who favor countries with established diaspora communities and economic opportunities.
That said, foreign funding of media is a double-edged sword. While it enables investigative journalism and civic engagement, it can shape narratives in ways that align with donor interests. The lack of transparency in how funding influences editorial decisions fuels distrust. Without direct evidence of CIA involvement, Hundeyin’s claims remain speculative, but they highlight the need for vigilance in an era of globalized media.
Recommendations for Stakeholders
Media Transparency: Outlets like Zikoko should disclose funding sources and editorial processes clearly to build trust and counteraccusations of foreign influence.
Media Literacy: Civil society must promote critical media literacy among Nigerian youth, encouraging them to question narratives and recognize biases, whether local or foreign.
Addressing Root Causes: The Nigerian government should prioritize tackling unemployment, insecurity, and inflation to reduce the “Japa” impulse, shifting focus from external scapegoats to internal reforms.
Independent Oversight: Stakeholders in media and governance should advocate for mechanisms to monitor foreign funding without stifling press freedom, ensuring accountability without censorship.
David Hundeyin’s allegations raise critical questions about foreign influence in Nigerian media, particularly at a time when the “Japa” trend dominates youth discourse. While Luminate’s funding of Zikoko Citizen, Premium Times, and Sahara Reporters is real, the leap to a CIA-driven conspiracy lacks substantiation. The “1000 Ways to Japa” series likely reflects Nigeria’s socioeconomic realities more than a foreign agenda. Still, stakeholders must remain vigilant, ensuring that the media serves the public interest rather than external priorities. In a digital age where narratives shape nations, transparency, and critical engagement are Nigeria’s best defenses.
Sources: Zikoko Citizen Report 2025, Omidyar Network funding records, Nigerian media and emigration trends, InfluenceWatch, and David Hundeyin’s X thread.
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