Did I make a mistake moving back to Nigeria?
At the time I wrote this, it’s been about four weeks since I arrived in Lagos, Nigeria and if I’m thinking of how to summarise my experience in a nutshell, I’d say impossible, because I have so much to say and it’s the reason I wrote this in my newsletter for my subscribers.
2025 Update: It’s been about 9 months since I arrived and not so much has really changed. Yes a couple of things, but the fact still remains Nigeria is where God would have me be for now.
I don’t know if it’s weird, but I haven’t really missed Canada since I arrived. For a country I called home for almost six years, I’m starting to wonder why this is. Although I do miss the convenience of accessibility and structure, it still boils down to the things I relish since I came here.
Peace and Joy.
I would be lying if I said it’s been rosy since I arrived, so here are a couple of things that have stressed me out since I returned to Nigeria. These things have made me remember why I left in the first place.
Things I dislike about living in Nigeria
Allergies
Uggh! Nigeria is dusty. I’d almost forgotten about this because I arrived when it was rainy, but since it’s been sunny the past couple of days, the dust has been something else. It might be negligible by others, but for someone like me that battled certain allergies since childhood, I could sniff it from afar. And it took a toll on me so much I silently wondered why I returned at a point. Although the air conditioner at home helps a couple of times, but the air outside is so dusty and polluted. Back in Canada, I hardly carried anti-histamines around, but I’ve had to visit the pharmacy here already. They had to get my usual Sodium cromoglicate eye drops because my eyes were affected as well. My chest and my head hurt and I was sneezing so bad my mom got worried. I tell my heart that God is good and I’ll get better. It’s a phase. I mean I’m strong enough to write this post so….
Transport and Traffic
and the lack of respect for pedestrians baffles me. My brother was laughing at me when I expressed my disappointment and disgust at the way bus drivers could almost hit a pedestrian. I had almost forgotten. To them, it’s normal for pedestrians to literally run for their lives. In Canada, pedestrian is king. You can walk on the street without the fear of being hit by a driver. Cars would even wait for you even if you happen to jaywalk.
It feels like there are many mad people in this country and I’m surprised I lived here for over 20 years before moving.
Traffic was one of the things I dreaded when considering my move to Lagos. I haven’t seen big shege yet, and I pray I don’t. But the little I’ve seen has left me frustrated.
Transport is so pricey it feels illegal. Whenever I hear about an upcoming fuel scarcity, I feel exhausted from within.
Poverty
I don’t think I’m ajebutter, but my friends often tease me that I am. So it breaks my heart to see people suffering around me. Maybe I look privileged right now, but I know what it feels like to be poor. I know what it feels like to not be able to afford even basic amenities for yourself. It feels like yesterday when I would queue up for hours, only to stand in a BRT and get squashed inside. I’ve weighed 48kg before. So I understand why people pray against poverty and do everything within their power to avoid poverty. I also see why some of the churches in Nigeria take advantage of the situation and thrive on such gospel. Because the majority of Nigerians are poor and suffering. I’m not defending what prosperity teachers are doing, but they just know how to take advantage of the market and cater to their target audience-Nigerians.
In Canada, the government provides your basic amenities, although in recent times, it’s been a different story. Every country seems to be feeling the pain of the post-COVID era right now.
Mosquitoes
I hate mosquitoes! I got bitten yesterday and a couple of days ago and I’m just mad. I’m upset I didn’t even think of buying a repellant before coming. Although I doubt Canada’s mosquito repellant can tackle our Nigerian mosquitoes. For someone with an AA genotype, you’d think falling sick isn’t a big deal. But man, it is! The last time I had malaria, I thought I would die. And it always feels like that with malaria. We don’t fall sick often but when we do, it feels as if the world is about to end.
Lack of accessibility to things
I bought a couple of things coming home, but I miss when I’d just order something directly from Amazon and have it delivered without any quibble. I also miss just strolling to Shoppers or a dollar store to pick up a few items. I’m running out on a couple of things and I’m already cracking my head on how to go about getting it since I’m still here for now.
Things I’m loving so far
Family
I laugh everyday. Almost. My mom’s sarcastic jabs hasn’t failed to hit me since since I arrived. I can’t believe I’ve missed this, but I have. When I was little, I was unable to reply my mother based on some of her opinions. But now, you need to hear our conversation and how we go back and forth and laugh about it. Sometimes, she can’t keep up and the moment she realises I’m right, she literally laughs out loud and smacks my butt playfully.
It’s so exciting to see someone I can share my nostalgic memories with. It feels surreal that we had such a bittersweet childhood and how fast adulthood caught up with us. I know it won’t always be like this, but right here and right now, I can enjoy this moment that we’re together.
Ever since I discovered my brother has a girlfriend aka the girl he’s planning to get married to (she’s so pwetty by the way) and I overheard her calling him baby on the phone, I’ve teased him endlessly. My mom also joins in sometimes and we laugh our heart out. I’m sure if he was fair in complexion he would have blushed hard, but he’s threatened to revenge once I have my own bae/boo. Bring it on! As if that would deter me from calling him ‘Mr baby’ Haha.
Jokes aside, he’s waited so long though. We’ve been praying for him to meet ‘the One’ because he’s such a kind hearted soul and deserves the best after all the years of waiting and trusting God. Although his face looks tough, he’s jelly on the inside and I’m so happy God has given him the desires of his heart.
Absence does make the heart grow fonder. Now I see why God is a champion for families. And the older I grow, the more I see a need for having a family of my own and I know God has good plans for me.
Somedays, I cannot wait.
Friends
I lost a couple of friends after this happened, but the way God came through for me in Nigeria, I’m in awe. One of my old friends who lives in a different state has been to Lagos twice to see me. And she went all out. Took time off work, got me balloons and flowers and even took me to V.I. Baby girl raised the friendship bar that I was left in awe. I need to match her energy! I told her not to open her friendship applications anymore since she’s booked. Haha.
Future hubby, start taking notes o.
As an adult, I’m also learning that quality triumphs quantity and it’s okay to say no to toxic relationships/friendships. Life is too short to fake anything really.
I’ve also had other friends show up for me and I’m thankful to God that I got a soft landing in Lagos. I’d been quite worried but God sorted it out. Papa is so good to me.
Food
If there’s anything I’ve really enjoyed since I moved, it’s the food. Are you kidding me? Our food is as diverse and colorful as the people. Spicy too. Unlike Canada where the food can just be bland sometimes. I’d boast of our food anywhere. I lived in a country where African food like fried yam and grilled fish could cost $20-$25 so coming here and getting a huge platter of grilled fish with sauce and yam and potatoes for less blows my mind. The first small chops I had was soo good. I’m not a foodie, but I’ve eaten a good amount of food since I arrived. It feels so good seeing all the food I missed for an amount I could never find in Canada.
Rest
The thought of not having to pay a crazy amount of rent for now is a breath of fresh air. I’m not ashamed to be living in my parent’s house at my age. I know the world tries to make it look like something to be ashamed of, but why rush myself if God isn’t rushing me? Why place a standard on myself that God hasn’t placed on me? Besides, I’ve lived by myself for years and I know what it means to live with roommates and to live with family and I’d rather live with my family and bicker with them. I’m also here because God wants me here. It’s just a phase I need to pass through. For now. I believe that suffices.
Places to Visit
Since I arrived, I’ve been to places I did not know existed before I moved. Maybe because I was a home-body and I didn’t have money. Haha. So many restaurants and places to just chill and unwind. Here’s a picture of me at Sketch restaurant in Victoria Island Lagos. The interior is beautiful and interesting. Much more interesting than the food. I think that’s the reason we got charged an exorbitant price for the food. But thank God for my sponsor that didn’t allow me to be put to shame.
All my friends need to become millionaires so I can enjoy for us all. :D.
Dear God, bless me too so I can bless my friends and those around me. Amen.
Fellowship
Fellowship with God has been quite amazing. The spiritual reception here is good. And I think I know why. I’m not a fan of religious people, but I know there are people who sincerely love Jesus in Nigeria. And it shows. I’ve found myself praying more and worshipping more. Also because I’m surrounded by more believers here, there’s just this motivation to pray and fellowship with other believers.
Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people-Proverbs 13:34
By the way, I mentioned getting a cat to my mom, but my mother rejected and rebuked the idea before it landed. She thinks I’ve been completely westernized. I heard a cat meowing the other day at night (perhaps crying for adoption) and told her the next day. Guess what she said,
Every satanic cat will be roasted in Jesus name.
Now translate that to Yoruba. Haha