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Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by warrenweste(m): 2:06pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
justwise: Pls is transferwise instant to gtb? |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by CutieKing: 2:40pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2:.. Nigeria is expensive either you are properly structured or not.Dont know where people claiming otherwise got their realities from. 4 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by Mancala: 4:51pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
CutieKing: It all boils down to lifestyle. If a returnee structures their life in such a way to replicate the lifestyle they were living abroad, it will be very expensive. It comes down to choices. I have tried it both ways. For example, running sound proof generators whenever there is no light, 24/7 climate controlled indoors, driver, gateman, security, cooks, cleaners etc. Where you buy groceries.... shoprite vs open markets? What do you eat? Imported vs locally grown food. Entertainment choices... eating out at expensive restauranmts and clubbing vs playing draft with the boys down the street and the occasional cold brew in my living room. These choices make a huge difference. When I'm in Nigeria with my family, I have to go the whole hog and make life very comfortable for them and it costs a lot. However, when I go alone, I dont run generators all night, I love taking public transport, I open my windows and go to the local markets if I need something. You won't catch me eating Pizza or going to coldstone. If it were me alone, I could easily live on less than 100,000 Naira a month in Nigeria. That would be a fraction of social security in retirement 12 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 7:37pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
CutieKing: I disagree with you. I reserve the right to cuddle my reality. 4 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 7:42pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
Mancala: May God bless you infinitely. My monthly budget is exactly that. N100K ($280). Yeah some months I splurge especially when I roam the countryside due to extra petrol and whatnot. If I needed to I can easily spend that in one sitting with friends but I'm structured I'm really happy to read from other people with similar lifestyle and though process. Running generators at night is actually a bad idea for me. It dulls the other sound that I find necessary for safety. 7 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 7:53pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
Here's a recap of a story that I read some years back and what helps shape some of my decision. The setting is a small fishing seaside village in Mexico. An American CEO went there with his family for a vacation. On most morning the CEO would see a fisherman just sitting on his canoe drinking beer. CEO: Hi. Sorry but I see you almost every morning here and you're relaxing drinking beer. Fisherman: Si, Senor. CEO: Why? Don't you have a job? Fisherman: Si, Senor. I am a fisherman. CEO: Then why aren't you out there fishing? Fisherman: I fished all night and have caught enough fish for me to sell and for my Wife to cook. CEO: Are there no more fishes in the water? Fisherman: Of course there are millions more fishes Senor. CEO: Then why do you stop? Get more boats, hire more people and fish 24 hours. Fisherman: But why Senor? CEO: So you can make more money, become a CEO like me. FishermanL And then what Senor? CEO: Then you can afford to bring your family to a seaside resort like this and have a vacation. Fisherman: But Senor, my family and I are already living here in the seaside resort. I finish work in the morning and drink beers with my friends all afternoon. To me there was a moral to the story and it applies to my life. What do you think? 22 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by Mancala: 8:24pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2: Electricity and security are two major cost items in Nigeria. I have a friend who spends on average 150,00 - 200k a month on diesel as he runs his diesel generator all night because he has sleep apnea and sleeps with a cpap machine. He also runs air conditioning in the house 24/7. For security, he hires ex soldiers @95k per month (i believe from the Nigerian Legion?) and the estate in which he lives pays the DPO to provide active duty policemen that are stationed around for safety. Not sure what his contribution is for the policemen. 5 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by MackyNaija(m): 9:11pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
Mancala: Light and security = $1,000 monthly That's the problem I have with replicating the American standard of living in Nigeria. 2 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by yemiosinbajo: 9:58pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
Mancala: On a lighter note , I remember when I first came to the US and was trying to explain the draft board game to some of my friends and no one had an idea what I was trying to say despite my comparison of the board with the chess board. I had to go online and try to find a way to describe it only to realize it's actually called "draughts" or checkers (British). Then, I started telling my friends about draughts, but they even became more confused. Had to go online again and then realized that even though it's called "draughts," it's actually pronounced as "drafts." Las las na picture settle am, but English ehnn, na wa. Still waiting for those who will start a thread on the accent culture shock they faced when they got to the U.S. Some people go make you feel like sey you no understand English or you be learner, especially in those rural areas. 5 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by Mancala: 11:14pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
I wrote draft on purpose for ease of general comprehension . But you remind me of an important point. If you go back to Nigeria and start speaking big grammar with a foreign accent, they will obtain you oh! You will buy 200 Naira bread for 5,000 Naira. When I'm back home, people are surprised the way I effortlessly switch from my native language to pidgeon English to spree spree phonetics 7 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by Mancala: 11:41pm On Jan 07, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2: This is so true. There's a Yoruba proverb that describes this situation: "Ohun ti a nwa lo sokoto, inu apo sokoto wa lowa" The literal meaning is that what you seek all the way to Sokoto is in the pocket of your pants (sokoto). Another Yoruba proverb says that fear of poverty is the driving factor for chasing wealth. Ai l’owo l’owo ni baba ijaya, kini n jani l’aya bi ailowo l’owo? Literal translation is the lack of money is the father of all fears, what strikes fear more than poverty? We keep chasing money because we are afraid of being poor. But the things that mean the most to us don't even cost money ! Another proverb says "why seek the key of an open door?" Another moral of this story is thus: Don' think too highly of yourself. À ń pe gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà ẹyẹ àkókó ń yọjú .... A sculpture is summoned but a woodpecker shows up! They all do the same thing right? We can learn a lot from our various cultures 19 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by DisGuy: 12:19am On Jan 08, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2: Very solid point here, people keep selling the lekki story like it's a general phenomenon. There are places that are still waiting for electricity after 30years!! Nigeria's development is very frustrating...mum bought land for investment and retirement home in badagry many years ago - Fashola first term and was contemplating doing the same. Been salivating over all the masterplans, new energy city, 10 lane super highway with train going to lagos city centre, proximity to the beach and west African border etc Alas, the road got worse, the chinese constructors left, no talk of train all through Ambode's stint, the new masterplan is gathering dust somewhere I still spend a day or two there every year to oversee construction work and get a feel of the area. New hotels springing up, more activities to attract slave trade tourists and historians Still in my plans but ilorin is also attractive- peaceful, less crime, close to airport and cheaper with no omonile headache 4 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by CrazyOptimist: 1:29am On Jan 08, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2: I saw this story on the wall of a JIMMY JONES restaurant yesterday |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 4:17am On Jan 08, 2020 |
CrazyOptimist: I read it at least 10 years ago and I think was at a training seminar in Denver, Colorado. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by DisGuy: 5:58pm On Jan 16, 2020 |
seems like you're enjoying this your retirement too much... keeping us in suspense Should we prompt you with questions or you'll spill How was your land buying experience...and between buying the land and starting construction did you have any issues? 1 Like |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 6:27pm On Jan 16, 2020 |
DisGuy: Sorry Sir I was in Ogbomosho again last weekend and off to Ikorodu this weekend. I will update as time permits but will always respond to direct questions. I will respond to your question when I get home later. Owambe things |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by stonemasonn: 11:03am On Jan 17, 2020 |
What do you think about investing in stocks? I invested in some stocks worth $250 using the Robinhood platform just for research purposes...mehn the thing doesn't make sense at all, constant ups and downs. 1 Like |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 12:15pm On Jan 17, 2020 |
DisGuy: Let me respond to the land issue. I’m having brunch at a Mr Biggs in Ijebu Ode. My land buying issues on my original property was actually not that bad in terms of current knowledge. Some sod came up later and claimed he’s a long lost son of the original owner and he was never given a share of the original sales amount. I was going to go all out Americana on him but my lawyer advised to just give him a token. Lawyer said land cases could drag on for years in court. So I did. I used that knowledge when buying other properties. Unfortunately the Omo onile issues are real but then again they just want money. My advice is to make friends with them instead of enemies. One needs to remember that you’ll be living there with them. I was lucky in Ibadan because what I give them is like N10K, N5K etc not the hundreds of thousands that I hear them getting in Lagos and the East. As an American it went against everything I’m used to. I’m much calmer now and just give to Caesar what’s Caesar’s, 11 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 1:01pm On Jan 17, 2020 |
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Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by NaBanga: 12:09am On Jan 18, 2020 |
following 1 Like |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 8:50am On Jan 29, 2020 |
PART SIX: These are just random pictures of when I revisited Nigeria after 20 years. There were no Micras or Keke yet in Ibadan but sadly Okadas were already working. Cellular phone was also starting. A funny story about cellular phones. It was refreshing to see the dating youths having access to cell phones, in my time no cell phones and you just had to go on a visit to see someone. I was schooling at Ogun Poly and left Abeokuta to go and visit a girlfriend at UniFe. On getting there I was told that she just left and was going to visit someone at Abeokuta. I quickly made my way back to Abeokuta to get a message that a friend came from UniFe but has gone back. So enjoy that cellphone in your hands 8 Likes
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Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by Smoke47: 9:00am On Jan 29, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2:See the old cars . Some are still in use till today. What year is this?? |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 9:04am On Jan 29, 2020 |
Smoke47: 2006. No Venza, Big Daddy, End of Discussion, etc |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by Smoke47: 9:12am On Jan 29, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2:How time flies. So what happened to your girlfriend in Unife that year, are you guys still in touch?? |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 9:55am On Jan 29, 2020 |
Smoke47: Her Dad was a lecturer there. I actually found her on Facebook. Married with children of course but we chat online once in a while. Who I’ll really love to meet are my old coworkers from Cooperative Bank, Dugbe. 2 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by manitoba(m): 1:15am On Jan 30, 2020 |
Just ignore most of these derailers or Know-it-all folks . EgunMogaji2: 1 Like |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by manitoba(m): 1:54am On Jan 30, 2020 |
No doubt, Ilorin is a top choice for retirement. cheap cost of living, less insecured, there are areas you can reside and you may never need a Generator ,Great Schools for children and some good health facilities too . You can never be wrong with this choice. DisGuy: 3 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by DisGuy: 10:38pm On Mar 03, 2020 |
Where's Oga at the Top? How's Omi Adio station coming up? Visited Ebutte Meta station last week. Most of the workers working flat out, some unfortunately don't believe the lagos end will be operational this year Badagry expressway is getting a lot of work done! |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by salford1: 4:18am On Mar 04, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2: The struggle 3 Likes |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by mufutau55(m): 3:15am On Mar 16, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2: This is happening in Ghana already... but Naija, God save us o. Sorry... I have just seen this thread since Dec 2019, I dont frequent this Forum. Good topic. Gotta to read all the 8 pages. Hajji M. 1 Like |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by EgunMogaji2: 3:47am On Mar 16, 2020 |
mufutau55: You’re welcome Sir. |
Re: Yankee To Naija: Thoughts And Experiences by mufutau55(m): 5:12am On Mar 16, 2020 |
EgunMogaji2: Finally read all the 8 pages. Very interesting. If I put my story here, I go get a lot of whipping. So, make I just keep quiet and follow yours. You know how to take beatings. I have to give it to you though, you really blended and adjusted to Naija well, well. Keep enjoying yourself. One day, I go join. Hajji M. 2 Likes |
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