When will you give up on your un-attained passion?

I once had a friend who wanted to leave Nigeria for Europe. 

He has crossed Sahara twice, once through Morocco where he was nabbed and rescued by some barbars. He has to pay his slave wages by digging salt somewhere in the Sahara in Mali. He eventually made it back to Nigeria.  This took about 5 years out of his life.

Second time again, he left Lagos through the Sahara to Libya. He almost go through, but for Italian army that guided their boat safely back to Libya. To avoid Gaddafi's wrath, my friend went back through Sahara back to Nigeria. The 3rd trial was to stow away on a ship. He almost got thrown off at the sea. Anyway, the Captain was nice, he dropped them off on an unknown island. He spent almost 5 years with the local people there, farming.  He got married and had a baby, but his heart was still in Europe. He escaped at some point on a fishing trawler to find himself in Senegal. Now he has found his way back to the streets of Lagos and is planning his next move.

In all, it's 20 years since he left secondary school. He didn't pass his WAEC.  All his friends who were not dreaming of Europe have gone through to University, had good jobs, drive their own cars, got married and some eventually finally made it out of Nigeria via work transfer or other legitimate reasons.

Our dear old friend has achieved nothing. He is still chasing his dream. 20 years have gone bye and nothing to show for it. I really wonder what he will do if he eventually get to Europe.

My friends, when does passion become stupidity? Do you have an unattained passion? How long will you keep it, when unattained?  When will you realize its time to let go?

If that is true, your friend is crazy. Why would he do such a thing? He is stupid.

evry1 wants to come to europe {wot da hell}

There are some people that just believe their destiny isn't in this country. that they just have to leave at all cost and that when they get there (Europe, USA or Canada), that it will all be a bed of roses and that even if they are going to suffer, it can't compare to the suffering in Nigeria.

I have a friend that feels this way actually,but at least he finished university. throughout his service year his mind was just on how he would leave....and not through legitimate means o. his plan was South Africa to maybe Australia to South America then finally USA. To cut a long story short, during his service year, he got a girl pregnant and had to marry her. Till now he is still looking for a way to go with or without his family. (actually his lament now is that it's his family that's holding him back).

Can you beat that?

who cares which country you are in..one will surely make it anyway

I watched something similar, on BBC once. It was a documentary on how people, strive to reach Europe via Morocco. It is really shocking, when they showed some of the skeleton's of those that died in the desert while trying to travel to Europe.

I think the reason for this type of insanity, is triggered by the attitude presented by some Nigerians staying abroad, when they go back home. They spend lavishly, as if they earn millions, they do extra-ordinary stuffs, and exaggerate about everything back in Europe or even other countries etc. I mean what would trigger someone to go through all the troubles, just to make it to somewhere he has never been to?, thinking everything would be fine, once he reaches there? Europe is Heaven on earth i suppose.

Is it poverty? or if you say poverty, what about those that travel by airplane, how could they afford the air ticket? or even go through the hassles in obtaining a visa?

Well on the issue of destiny, being the reason, how do they know their destiny? Did they go to the "Babalawo" to check their future? Or their Pastor or Imam forseed their future? Common

Really i am confused sometimes when i try to think of the reasons, on why, and as we are discussing it, some people are still at it, trying to "JA" as they call it.

o wel..summin i want to tell dem is dat
whereva dey go..same thing happens..sooner or later

The grass is always greener on the other hill!

You see, I'm not crazy about living Nija. If God opens a way, I'll be glad but till then I'll continue to do my things here in this great country.

If God wants me to make it here b4 I step out, fine. He knows better.

yea..man proposes god disposes

Our internal information minstry or service is not doing enough to educate Nigerians of the dangers of going abroad even when there is no ambition/purpose for making such a trip. Many are sufferring, squatting in rooms they will never dare stay in Nigeria and do all sort of menial jobs. What more? many are jailed and die in the process.

your friend sure is crazy. got a friend like that who stopped attending lectures/taking exams. he's really crazy about going to go to UK for studies. seems he'll make it this year. but his mates are now serving (NYSC) and if he doesnt...God dey sha.

I dont see any reason y anybody should be crazy to travel to europe without anykind of qualification(not even O Level). It is just when he reaches there he would see the reality. The problem i guess comes from the kind of life that those who come back from western lands display. They spend all their money extravagantly and then come back to start saving again. Poverty is also to blame and our mentality is part of the problem too. We like easy money and so many people think u can get that in europe and the west.

Pls guyz people living in the west live normal lives(not extravagant ones) and have problems just like anyone else

@Bibi..I don't know about your friend, but for others there are so many reasons why they may want to leave at all costs. By the way, did you say that your friend has been trying to go to Europe for 20years or did I misread the whole thing?

that means if he hypotetically began at the age of 18 he would be 38 years now, Minus the number of years in between runs and also miscalculation , before she posted this post. So how true is that?

I did not come to England to take pictures of Big Ben or tour London Bridge. I just wanted to get paid and get even with those colonials. With a name like Ogundele Kayode Omobrukutu, I could not even buy a buspass let alone open a bank account.

This is my story....,

It took me 6 months to study the system, but I still could not figure out my squares and circus's. I could not travel from Leicester Circus to Oxford Square without getting lost. I was a YMCA (Young Money Chasing African) when I joined the FRAUD (Fine Rich Africans United in Deals). It took me 3 months to attain my ACCA (Advanced Certificate for Criminal Africans) and I needed an MBA (Major Bank Account) to do my first HND (Heavy Nigerian Deal). I arranged to meet this guy at Animal and Something, I mean Elephant and Castle. We were supposed to meet at 10.00am. I got there at 11.30am and he turned up at 1.30pm. He pulled up in a Mercedes 500SL with a private number plate - 419 ADE.

He was a definite Nigerian, he had it all - leather jacket in summer, air condition on full blast with his roof and windows down whilst smoking cigar and choking on his smoke just to impress me. Being a fellow Nigerian I was more than impressed. He introduced himself as[b] Adepujo Kunle Babatunde[/b] and asked me to call him Ade or Babs. He spoke with a strong Nigerian accent but he messed the whole language up by slanging - he sounded like a Canadian born Chinese living in Germany and studying French. I had not been in the country for long but I could tell that omo was trying hard to be British

After hanging with Ade for about 2 months I became an OBE (Opportunist Bank Employee) and specialised in BBC (Breaking Bank Codes). Money was flowing and I wanted more so I did my[b] PhD[/b] (Passport Handling Degree) and became an FBI (Fraudster Bringing Immigrants). My status changed drastically...., I had a BMW 328is convertible and a Porsche 911 with a private plate - 911 OMO and living in a council flat and signing on. I went to Moonlighting every Friday and drank champagne and danced to music supplied by DJ Pace and Skills. I became foolish - I remember one night I spent over a £1000 on just champagne at the club and had no money for petrol so I walked home.

My downfall.... Greed and selfishness inevitably led to my downfall - I got involved with a CIA (Cash Investing Agent) and we did a couple of GMT[/b]s (Good Money Transfers) but he later turned out to be a [b]CID (Cop in Disguise). I was under surveillance and I did not even know. I left the[b] NHS[/b] (Nigerian Housing Scheme) early that morning with about 12 different cheque books to go and do my business. They followed me unto the high road and it was then it hit me that something was wrong. I could not leave all that evidence in my car so I started chewing my cheque books. I ate 8 before they pulled me over. They read me my rights and all that crap and all I could say was - Oga, water please!

Kazey, K2 - ---- its completely true. I know it unbelieveable. To me its more than passion but stupidity. The only thing he thinks about is as Ive mentioned, thats what he dreams of, day and night. I know he's in one of the francophone countries now. Most probably he will get a Camerounian or so passport soon and find his way to Paris. But I know he wont rest until he gets to London, thats where all his childhood pals are. The big wonder is whether those guys who have been in UK 10+ yrs will open their doors to this crazy guy if he eventually lands.......except those that have the various degrees like Chxta talked about...

got a friend like that who stopped attending lectures/taking exams. he's really crazy about going to go to UK for studies. seems he'll make it this year. but his mates are now serving (NYSC) and if he doesnt...God dey sha.

@trae_z, if your friend know that what he want to do in life is to "ja" why did he decided to waste his parent money and his own invaluable time in the university.

Most people that want to "ja" at all cost are purely doing it because of covetousness. And when they get out there they turn themselves into something else and spoil Nigeria's good image.

Am convince, 90% of people that "ja" by all means end up bringing disgrace to this country by perpetrating some nefarious activities. And the following are some of the main reasons:

1.) They enter illegally so they have to get money to find their level, so they do just anything to get that money.

2.) Their ultimate motive is to be able to come back and be showing off here in Nigeria, so they have to do anything to make the money with which to fund their ostentatious lifestyle.

If you see anyone that travel for some tangible reasons, they hardly get themselves into doing ungodly acts. They will rather do menial jobs or come back home.   

My advice for anyone that want to "ja", before you get that passport, ask yourself, what do i want to go and do out there, is there any need for me to go there, and also what are the chances of me making it (big) there, don't presume or hope. You will know the right answer yourself, you can't cheat in self examination.

Chxta. where u dey get these articles?

Bibi-2. that must be a fictional story. if he's actually your friend, try help the guy out there.

All you people that are in europe and are frowning at why people are trying to get out, i think you should come back here and spend the weekend with these desperate people.
for some here, nigeria rulez, for the majority it doesn't. people are suffering here and my friends, i believe that statement hasn't been as exaggerated as the blings and smiles on you, immigrants.

there are levels of suffering.

Anyway, i can't lie. my destiny isn't in this country simply because my passion can't blossom here. it will die. fine i know i can get a good job in 9ja but i also know i won't enjoy it.

No man can predestined what a day will bring forth, our future is in God's hand, He kns the end from the begining, wht i am tryin to say is tht where ever one finds him /her self there is a purpose fro tht, if u are here in Nija and u ere not achieving want u want then God can decide to take u out and u will become great. He is the God of purpose, Time and season off co's He kns the best for u.
So, being desperate or not, we should only depend on God in everything we do.

yes ooo

Hello cOdec,

I was in Nigeria for most of the time this guy was drifting all over. I don't consider him a friend now " note.I said I had a friend". He had cut himself off from anyone who tried to advice him otherwise. Another thing cOdec, he is a fully certified 419 now...There is no way I will associate with fellows like that.

When desperation takes over all form of reasonable thinking, then its share madness as in this case.

Its true I don't live in Nigeria now, however I remain a Nigerian. I don't have any  other Nationality, and I go to Nigeria at least once a year. So, for those who cry about Nigerian living abroad being out of touch with home, you miss the point in this case.

I will help anyone through legitimate links. Not otherwise, not for any friend, no matter how close, if he choses to go through doubtfull processes.

oh i see.

chxta I had to read the book from which you got that excerpt for English literature in secondary school. What was it called again?

Hi guys,
Do not be so desperate to get to Europe(abroad)If u are meant to be there,u will be there and nothing can stop it,I came to Belgium when i did not expect it at all,I just had to thank God for it.I never even wanted to leave Imo-state  now!unless i got addmission in another state let alone Leaving Nigeria(at the moment) cos i really love my country and am proud of it, Now i miss it so much.C'mon guys we got to be proud of our God given land.

Remember,no matter where u go,there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

i know of someone who stopped coming for lectures and stopped school because she wanted to travel to europe, she was still in this naija when we finished school, served and i dont know if she has been able to travel now, but it is very amazing how people will stupidly put their lives on hold because they want to travel out. nigeria is a land of opportunities, if only you know how to harness them, it is very easy to make and keep money in nigeria.

well well, was all i coulod say after going through the whole comments but in any case, i think living for a dream no matter how long it might take.

u cant just blame people and

living your dream means pursuing that dream with all your mental faculties working, not becoming senseless while pursuing those dreams. why would an otherwise intelligient guy or girl stop going to school or working because he/she wants to travel out? its just plain madness.

@Topic

Someone here said that Nigeria is the land of Opportunities! Yeah Right!!! And then my name is George Bush, Ha.

If there is anyway you can leave the country(Nigeria), please do so!!!!!!

Nigeria Failed Kokscity
The US Embraced him.
Kokscity is now a Proud US Citizen.
Bleeding Red,white and Blue!!!!!!1

@Topic

Someone here said that Nigeria is the land of Opportunities! Yeah Right!!! And then my name is George Bush, Ha.

If there is anyway you can leave the country(Nigeria), please do so!!!!!!

Nigeria Failed Kokscity
The US Embraced him.
Kokscity is now a Proud US Citizen.
Bleeding Red,white and Blue!!!!!!1

totlly disagree,if you know what you are doing, you can be whosever you want to be in naija. and you know what? at best you are a fourth class citizen in the US.

@Nikinash

There is nothing like a fourth class citizen in the USA. Kokscity is an American Citizen and that is it. Well if we use that analogy, then each time i visit a third world country(Nigeria) i instantly become an Upper First class citizen based on my Income and social status. Your class system does not make sense. I own my own house, I bought it brand new, i have a good business, i travel home and vacation one to three times a year. I pay my income,estate,sales,capital gains taxes. There is nothing like a Fourth class citizen in the USA. A citizen is a citizen,is a citizen. Please makes some damn sense in you next post, and stop assuming $hit.That is why Nigeria is underdeveloped, no value to hard work. You are sitting there and giving people false hope. Class system simply does not work Nikinash.

Kokscity believes that Nigeria is not the Land of Opportunity! That is based on my experience in Nigeria. No Jobs for Youths, bad roads,no electricity, no water, no minimum wage. Where the hell are the opportunities?

GOD BLESS THE USA!

There is nothing like a fourth class citizen in the USA. Kokscity is an American Citizen and that is it.

yeah right

Well if we use that analogy, then each time i visit a third world country(Nigeria) i instantly become an Upper First class citizen based on my Income and social status.

nope you would be a nigerian citizen period! just like if you were truly a american citizen you would be an american citizen, any other thing no matter how long it was that you "got" citizenship makes you a second, third, or fourth rate citizen of that country!

You are sitting there and giving people false hope.

no my brother, you are the one who has got it all wrong, you have not doen any better than many nigerians, me inclusive. and i didn't have to run away to america for that. the issue here is having people throw their lives away simply because they want to go to america, that my dear friend is utter nonsense!

Please makes some damn sense in you next post, and stop assuming $hit

you have obviously tried to assume the identity of your host nation, but please be more civil in your posts!