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My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America - Travel (10) - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralTravelMy observations about some of our japa brethren in North America (47807 Views)

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Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by Wsx2: 5:44am On Aug 11, 2024
Sapasenator:
About three years ago. It was a bitter winter and I was dining at a restaurant around 11 pm in the night. It was very cold and if I remember correctly, it was -35 degrees Celsius below freezing point and if you pee outside, it freezes before hitting the ground. cold.

The restaurant was filled with everyone white except myself. I looked behind me and it was crowded with delivery drivers working for the delivery app, Skip the Dishes, waiting to pick up food orders. Nine delivery drivers and all black guys mostly Nigerian looking.

Imagine what it means to have to drive constantly in the bitter cold to deliver food when most people are either sleeping or enjoying themselves in a warm restaurant.

Some of these guys are even delivering with brand new SUVs purchased on credits and after a deeper dive, I came to realize our people here live mostly above their means to impress fellow Nigerians. They buy houses or cars they cannot afford and now have to work three jobs and drive on the side to maintain their fake lifestyles.

This is not a healthy way to live guys, learn to relax and enjoy yourself once in a while, do not live above your means and the fact that you are pre-authorized for that big mortgage, loan, or line of credit does not mean you have to accept.

Learn to live your life without trying to please or impress anyone and occasionally, take time off to have fun and enjoy yourself, take vacations.
My brother better leave Nigerians alone, they are difficult to advice. Plan your life wisely, time will tell. I left 8 houses back in nigeria , 3 cars. I got here in canada and had to adjust immediately. I live in 1 room here and never drive a finance car, this is a different society. Just because they gave them credit opportunities, they will go all out to put themselves in debt they can’t get out of just to show off on social media and impress gullible people back home. They are broke.

If you try to advice them they will shut you off and say they only live once, they never for once think they can live longer. They don’t even think.

Plan ya life bro
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by cococandy(f): 6:28am On Aug 11, 2024
What was the point of owning 8 houses and 3 cars in Nigeria if that real estate portfolio can’t give you the financial means to afford a better place in America?

I’m curious to know how this type of financial mindset works .

I know you’re going to say you can afford it but choose to live in one room. Then my next question is why? You’re pinching the penny to do what? To buy more land and another house and another house just to live in on room the whole time? What’s the end goal?

To have money to live comfortably or have money that you can look at and smile while living in squalor?

Wsx2:
My brother better leave Nigerians alone, they are difficult to advice. Plan your life wisely, time will tell. I left 8 houses back in nigeria , 3 cars. I got here in canada and had to adjust immediately. I live in 1 room here and never drive a finance car, this is a different society. Just because they gave them credit opportunities, they will go all out to put themselves in debt they can’t get out of just to show off on social media and impress gullible people back home. They are broke.

If you try to advice them they will shut you off and say they only live once, they never for once think they can live longer. They don’t even think.

Plan ya life bro
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by Wsx2: 6:42am On Aug 11, 2024
cococandy:
What was the point of owning 8 houses and 3 cars in Nigeria if that real estate portfolio can’t give you the financial means to afford a better place in America?

I’m curious to know how this type of financial mindset works .

I know you’re going to say you can afford it but choose to live in one room. Then my next question is why? You’re pinching the penny to do what? To buy more land and another house and another house just to live in on room the whole time? What’s the end goal?

To have money to live comfortably or have money that you can look at and smile while living in squalor?
I can see where you are coming from as a female, you have no responsibilities so you will never understand
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by cococandy(f): 7:10am On Aug 11, 2024
Wsx2:
I can see where you are coming from as a female, you have no responsibilities so you will never understand
You could have answered my question but you chose this response

Just because the women in your life are irresponsible, doesn’t mean you can lump everyone in the same boat.

Now put your thinking cap on and analyze why you built 8 houses in Nigeria and bought 3 cars (which by the way are deteriorating as we speak) if the houses don’t give you financial levity to afford at least one house in America (or wherever you are) that you have to resort to living in one room.

What’s smart about that?

Since I’m but a feeble irresponsible woman who knows nothing about finances, can you pls educate me on this financial strategy? Maybe I can improve my life listening to your financial wisdom.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by kossyablaze(m): 8:53am On Aug 11, 2024
Maeve7:
You can say whatever you want and so can I. Have a nice evening. Peace out.
bro stop supporting rubbish. Dudes here buy biggest benzs,bmws, Audi's.... They couldn't afford. They do 2 or more jobs to meet up with their payments. They do delivery too as a side gig to meet up. I have dinned in the Grey Eagle resort and casino as the only black dude. All other dudes came in as pick up dudes
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by kossyablaze(m): 8:55am On Aug 11, 2024
trium:
Learn to mind your business and live your life. Northerners hardly travel outside Nigeria, everyone has a different story. Just because you see some people show off does not mean the Uber or Skip The Dishes guy doesn't have his own struggle to feed family. Cho cho cho as if Nigerians can be compared with Indian, Chinese or Pakistan migrants. Let people live. What about the Nigerians in Nigeria living fake lifestyle and copying oyinbo life inside nigeria nko? Thr people they want to impress think they live in jungles when they travel. Let people be
oga you can't comprehend the message. You are still eating mama thank ma I suppose
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by Maeve7: 9:06am On Aug 11, 2024
kossyablaze:
bro stop supporting rubbish. Dudes here buy biggest benzs,bmws, Audi's.... They couldn't afford. They do 2 or more jobs to meet up with their payments. They do delivery too as a side gig to meet up. I have dinned in the Grey Eagle resort and casino as the only black dude. All other dudes came in as pick up dudes
It’s non of your business what cars people buy and how many jobs they do to pay for them. If that’s what makes them happy and they don’t go about it committing crime, so be it. OP has written a very condescending post that reeks of envy and parades himself as the wise one. Mind your own business.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 9:21am On Aug 11, 2024
CriminalTinubu:
One of the many offerings of Tinubu.

Since his election rigging many Nigerians have been forced to flee the country either voluntarily as slaves or forcibly as refugees.
Which election rigging, even your messiah Peter Obi that went to court never claimed he was rigged out.

In actual fact, Peter Obi stared clearly last week, especially for the hard of hearing, that President Tinubu was given the mandate by Nigerians so please can you stand on his mandate like a good Nigerian.

Peter Obi cane third and elctions are over a year ago, rest Bikonu.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 9:36am On Aug 11, 2024
dominique:
Some of them take on these extra jobs so as to be able to have enough money to send to their relatives in Nigeria (or whichever 3rd world country they come from) and still have decent savings
You are very right and hit the nail squarely on the head.

My issue with those people is if you fall sick or even die doing multiple jobs in order to send money home, will the people you are sending money to with your second or third job die? Will they not find some other fool to hang their money problems on?

Nigerians abroad should learn to say "No" or "maybe later". Not everybody that asks you for money must you give it to immediately or at all, you become their Maga in that instance.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 9:44am On Aug 11, 2024
babtoundey:
"All Nigerian looking..." This must be a joke How do you differentiate the look of a Nigerian from that of a Cameroonian, Ghanian, South African or other near and far dark skinned Africa?

Continue, we are enjoying your tale by moonlight.
Let me tell you, I can tell the difference between us and South Africans or Ghanaians every day and twice on a Sunday. That's just too easy.

Cameroonians not so much because they share features with Ndigbo, Nd'akwa ibom and Ndi Calabar.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by googi: 10:14am On Aug 11, 2024
The New failure of Black men started from Nigeria after the Oil Income Curse. It puts Nigerians and Africans into abject poverty never seen in the history of mankind.

So anyone urging or preaching prudence is wasting her time. If those rescued, returning from the desert and sea cannot convince those on their way in Mali and other border countries, who could rescue Africans from slave mentality?

Most of the destitute, low class and multiple jobs workers have been replaced by Africans abroad. Yet, they continue day dreaming about ABROAD.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 10:19am On Aug 11, 2024
twosquare:
So much hate on this thread just because of someone's observation...which is nothing new anyway...

Some are feeling like what he said will deny them visa---that's the vibe I am getting...or when they get 'there', they too don't want to be 'judged' so they can comfortably snap in snow and pepper people back home through WhatsApp status without their conscience biting them.
Di tin weak me honestly.

The poster made a heartfelt observation and people are here harranguing them for it. No logic at all to their dislike of what the poster has said.

It's like some feel Nairaland is their hone where they can shut younger ones up, even when those ones are making more sense than them, for no reason other than they can.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 10:33am On Aug 11, 2024
Sapasenator:
Gbas gbos everywhere. Hehehehe. This here is why I like Nigerians nor be small.
Me too Walahi, Nigerians are the best of the best.

Persin A posts something, person B and C are dragging each other.

Baba God, bikonu in my next life, let me come back again as a Nigerian, even if it as an Obidient, I go manage am like dat.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 10:43am On Aug 11, 2024
thecommunist:
That most are hustling does not mean they are cash strapped. I have a well paid job as a project manager and my wife has a well paid job as a Vet doctor. And we very comfortably pay our mortgage with enough to save by Gods grace. However, I do delivery side hustle especially in winter because it pays well. I make up to 900 dollar a week on delivery back then. I do it not because I'm cash strapped but because I see it as an opportunity to make more money when I still have the strength to work and save up even more for retirement. I only stopped because I noticed that it makes my tax unreasonably High.
I know someone that did similar, that person was in the UK though, he made a lot of cash working in a Chinese takeaway payed cash in had so no tax issues.

Quality of life was poor as he and his wife nearly broke up. He would go to work in the mornings tired as hell. Thankfully the shop was sold and he got his evenings back. His actual work started to deteriorate so much so that a first class graduate ended up on a "performance plan" or whatever it was called.

A lot of these extra jobs are a false economy, the time you should have for yourself for your body to recuperate is non existent. Those that have children that do them are the worst and deserve the hottest part of hell because that spare time should be spent with them moulding them into human beings that wouldn't turn out to be a menace to society.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 10:47am On Aug 11, 2024
Wsx2:
I can see where you are coming from as a female, you have no responsibilities so you will never understand
Table shaker, you know say she go drag you tire wit dis reply, well done you hear.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by komekn(m): 11:19am On Aug 11, 2024
Maeve7:
Where did you go to where the temperature was -35 and people delivered food with SUVs? I am excited to visit the place.
Probably Canada and quite likely Calgary with temperature 🌡️ that can go as low as -40⁰ Celsuis.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by komekn(m): 11:20am On Aug 11, 2024
Sapasenator:
Where is the advice and who am I advising? You are mistaking an observation for advice.

I only advise when being paid for it an do not advice for free.
Thank you
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by komekn(m): 11:23am On Aug 11, 2024
aswani:
Which election rigging, even your messiah Peter Obi that went to court never claimed he was rigged out.

In actual fact, Peter Obi stared clearly last week, especially for the hard of hearing, that President Tinubu was given the mandate by Nigerians so please can you stand on his mandate like a good Nigerian.

Peter Obi cane third and elctions are over a year ago, rest Bikonu.
The election was rigged the court system hijacked and manipulated a convicted criminal with forged certificates is your President.

Even with rugged election more Nigerian voted against him than for him . He didn't win the election he got SELECTED.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by trium: 12:15pm On Aug 11, 2024
kossyablaze:
oga you can't comprehend the message. You are still eating mama thank ma I suppose

Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by trium:
The thing called PERSONAL FINANCE is personal because only the person knows about their finances. You from the outside cannot add it all up until you get to speak to the person. There's some comparison the likes of OP makes and they say comparison is the thief of joy. Someone will live in a mansion and have no joy, another person will live in the village hut, enjoying fresh air and fruits from nature and will be the most happiest person on earth. Even people who work good corporate jobs that pay them very well, they still have regrets that the job pays well but they don't have time for their family. The wo-man who has time for family and kids are making demands you cannot afford, what economic value is your time?In life, things must be balanced. Let people work out what will make them happy in life. Do not judge people's lifestyle or finance decisions by their outlook. Aren't there many of our rich politicians thieving money but still in debthuh Time is relative. One man can decide to own his own time by doing Uber while you give your own life to 9-5. The 9-5 will think that is not what he wants to do with his life but may get home to order the Uber guy to deliver to his house at 6pm. The time 9-5 waa working, the Uber guy was at home seeing his kids off and picking them up. Life is never linear. There are many sides to it and your own view is not always the best observation because there's only a little percentage you know of the 100% picture. For example, Uber and door delivery platforms will not accept any car older than 10 years, they will not also be insured. Did you factor that in? grin

Edit:I have added the sceenshots so that Nigerians can understand the value of money and time. Someone said you will work many hours for people back home who may not give a damn about your life except your money but when you choose to enjoy it, they will criticise you not knowing the pains you have been through. The cost of living in the abroad is high so don't go calculating their money and converting it to naira because it is $$$$$. You cannot afford their expenses so appreciate what is given to you. This is the same way people look at their rich relatives and think they don't have problems in their lives. Appreciate whatever anyone does to you, never be entitled.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5ZhgknVsiw

Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by beamed: 12:38pm On Aug 11, 2024
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Sapasenator:
It gets to -40C here sometimes and you have to plug in your car overnight before it could start.
Perhaps, you meant Fahrenheit and not Celsius/Centigrade. I may be wrong though, but check it out.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by 1stGenAmerican(f): 12:38pm On Aug 11, 2024
Tendd:
Don't they have public buses or trains in North America? Or they are not functioning well ? And why the need for the SUV's even for an individual household?Generally, l observe America as a place
where people like to show off and blow their trumpet.
From the big house,huge cars etc all to impress .This is typical the Nigerian way
What if an SUV is what the individual likes and enjoys driving? What if he likes living in a big house and enjoys his large space? Should he avoid getting what he likes because of what others might perceive him to be doing?
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by 1stGenAmerican(f): 12:58pm On Aug 11, 2024
Sapasenator:
I once worked as a financial Planner in a bank and I studied a particular ethnic group.

Ethiopian and Eritreans.

They are uneducated and do menial jobs like cleaning, construction and taxi driving.

Theses people are always frugal living within their means, most of them I came across have huge savings in their account up to $50,000.

They also invest a lot. I see a lot of cleaners saving huge money and also lots of professional with a six figure income living on overdraft all through the year with zero savings.
This is a lie.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by 1stGenAmerican(f): 12:59pm On Aug 11, 2024
Sapasenator:
Whites sabi enjoy themselves without stress. They can live in a shared one room and travel on vacations and seldom live above their means.

Nigerians actually think they are smarter than the whites.
Another lie. Continue.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by aswani(m): 1:29pm On Aug 11, 2024
komekn:
The election was rigged the court system hijacked and manipulated a convicted criminal with forged certificates is your President.

Even with rugged election more Nigerian voted against him than for him . He didn't win the election he got SELECTED.
Have you got any proof of any of this that you can share with us so we join in your campaign.

Peter Obi won in court, why wasn't it hijacked or manipulated then?

Which court anywhere on this planet has convicted President Tinubu?

The certificate he forged, can you paste a picture?

More Nigerians also voted against both Atiku and Peter Obi, what is your point?

Elections were more than a year ago, bikonu rest with all this nonsense that has no basis in fact.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by megastu(m): 3:46pm On Aug 11, 2024
Answer the question asked. How can you have 8 houses in Nigeria and living in one room and you think you are better than the ones who live in
4-bedroom houses with enough space for their kids to live and breathe well and do two or more jobs to sustain the kind of life they want for themselves and their kids.

You guys will just be opening mouth waa without knowing people's circumstances.
Wsx2:
I can see where you are coming from as a female, you have no responsibilities so you will never understand
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by Sapasenator(op):
1stGenAmerican:
This is a lie.
As a Lawyer and per the rule of evidence, what do you call an eyewitness account? A lie?

If I were to give evidence in court of an event I physically witnessed, saw with my eyes, or touched with my hands, would you call those lies?

Are you insinuating an eyewitness account is a lie? Can you say that in a court as a lawyer? An account that is not one-off and consistently observed over five years?

At some point, I worked at a branch situated in a location where over 80% of customers were Ethiopians, Eritreans, and Vietnamese allowing me to study the financial life of these people, I also had access to all their information.

Now back to you my dear honourable counselor, on what basis did you conclude my first-hand observation, a lie?
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by IbeOkehie: 9:15pm On Aug 11, 2024
Wsx2:
I can see where you are coming from as a female, you have no responsibilities so you will never understand
You're correct, but you'd be even more correct to acknowledge it extends beyond gender

Those who started their economic journey in the middle class are less likely to tolerate delayed gratification. It's NATURAL, nothing wrong at all. It just is what it is...REALITY.

For Nigerians, it's also a cultural thing. The WASPs who organized and built the USA have a culture of hard work and delayed gratification. It's called the Protestant Work Ethic. Those of us who have inherited their rich economy can afford to spend, spend and spend on the back of their exertions and privations.

Life is a funny thing sha. 🤣 Sometimes you see people dispossessing or disinheriting their children and wonder why.

Good Luck to Nigeria.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by Gerrard59(m): 12:07am On Aug 12, 2024
babtoundey:
"All Nigerian looking..." This must be a joke How do you differentiate the look of a Nigerian from that of a Cameroonian, Ghanian, South African or other near and far dark skinned Africa?

Continue, we are enjoying your tale by moonlight.
Some of us can differentiate it. I have an almost perfect score in doing so. I can accurately pinpoint the region an African comes from and sometimes correctly guess the country. Southern Africans are noticeably different from East Africans as well as West Africans. In Nigeria, there exists a wide chasm between Ijaws and Ibibios. It gets harder between Igbos (from certain states) and Ibibios. Yorubas are distinctively different from Hausa-Fulanis. Ghanaians share similarities with Nigerians, ditto for Ivoriens and Sierra Leonians. Then there is a wide gap between an African American from a black African even if the latter has resided in the US for a long time. You cannot defeat genetics.

The accent, mannerisms, height, facial looks, shape of the head, body structure etc., are some of the characteristics involved.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by Gerrard59(m): 12:10am On Aug 12, 2024
cococandy:
What was the point of owning 8 houses and 3 cars in Nigeria if that real estate portfolio can’t give you the financial means to afford a better place in America?

I’m curious to know how this type of financial mindset works .
oney to live comfortably or have money that you can look at and smile while living in squalor?
Many adult Nigerian males who emigrated while in their 30s do wish to return to Nigeria at a later date. That could be the reason. It is not the same for women. So, that could be why he mentioned gender in his response to you.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by kossyablaze(m): 12:14am On Aug 12, 2024
Maeve7:
It’s non of your business what cars people buy and how many jobs they do to pay for them. If that’s what makes them happy and they don’t go about it committing crime, so be it. OP has written a very condescending post that reeks of envy and parades himself as the wise one. Mind your own business.
cut ur cloth according to your size jare.
Re: My observations about some of our japa brethren in North America by cococandy(f): 12:38am On Aug 12, 2024
Gerrard59:
Many adult Nigerian males who emigrated while in their 30s do wish to return to Nigeria at a later date. That could be the reason. It is not the same for women. So, that could be why he mentioned gender in his response to you.
Nope. He mentioned gender because he thinks he knows better than I do. Simply because he (like others) believe they are more intelligent than women just based on gender alone. That was meant to be condescending.

But moving on, I get having a couple of houses for personal/family use. Or multiple houses (like he said he does) for investment purposes to generate revenue. But if he’s not earning enough from the investment to be comfortable. Enough to separate his living room from his bedroom at the minimum, was it worth it?

What’s the point of money if you sleep where you eat and watch television etc. what about just leg space for cabin fever days especially in a cold country? What about potential Visitors? A small home office space?

One room is for college students or someone starting out in life and building up to an eventual life they dreamed about. But If you (generic) say you’ve achieved what other people are praying for, when will you sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor?

That’s just my point anyway.

I don’t want anyone to assume I’m telling a janitor to go buy a Ferrari on credit (according to NL stories, anyone can buy anything on credit 🤣). But sometimes people really need to do away with scarcity mindset. If you have something of value to provide, you can always get financial compensation for it. In that case, trust in your ability to provide value and stop sweating the small stuff.
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