₦airaland Forum

We can marry anywhere we choose to, you know . I prefer to get married abroad for reasons best known to me. I also believe in marrying for the right reasons and not because both parties want to get something out of one another ( Green Card, Money etc ). The koko of my post is that my woman must be beautiful. Cheers.

I served in Akure, Ondo State ( 2005/2006 Batch B ) and was part of the NCCF. The Family House at Alagbaka in Akure was a nice place to be and I made sure I attended the Sunday Fellowship gatherings there. I was part of the Editorial and Library Unit and contributed articles for the Notice Board. I did not live in the Family House and was not too close to the Executives but I was a respected member of the Fellowship. The best part of my NCCF experience was attending 3 Rural Rugged outreaches in the farthest parts of Ondo State. I saw Poverty that made me shudder in the villages we went to that I thanked God for the little things I had. I had to give some of my personal effects away to the Children I came across in those Villages and hamlets. I thank God for NCCF .

Here are the Factors that Motivate people to relocate back to Nigeria. I will be very brutal with my analyses. Enjoy .

1. Lack of valid Identification Documents: Many Nigerians find themselves in the horrible situation of being overstayers or illegal immigrants. If you don't have valid documents in the UK, it will be very hard for you to make a headway. You won't even be able to get menial jobs these days as Right to Work Procedures are taken seriously by Employers and Recruitment Agencies. You won't be able to open a Bank Account without valid Identification Documents. Those who decide to work illegally are often paid rubbish wages and they live in deplorable conditions. They live in Houses that lack the basic amenities needed to live well as a human being. Some Nigerians also resort to working with the documents of their friends who help them out to eke a living. I see this kind of thing as living in bondage. There is a curse that will stop you from making progress when you use the papers of other people to work in Europe and America. At the end of the day, some Nigerians return home because they are finding it hard to live in the advanced world due to their Illegal status. They return to Nigeria to see if they can make something meaningful out of their lives.

2. Competing with Friends and Family Members: People are getting competitive these days. Some Nigerians return to the country of their birth because they want to keep up with the joneses. Its like you see a friend of yours back in your days at the University working for a top company in Nigeria and earning supposedly good money. During one of your trips to Nigeria, you move around with him and discover that he has built a House and drives a Jeep. He seems to be doing well and he is happy. You start thinking that you're wasting your time in Europe and develop the idea that you need to return to Nigeria to get a better job. Many Nigerians abroad are going through this situation I have just described. However, the dude that wants to return home does not know that his 'successful' mate has problems he is facing too. The Jeep he is using was brought with a loan he took from his Company. So he has to repay the loan back over a period of time. The Nigeria based guy has managed to buy a plot of land but there is no money to take his building plans to the next level. He also has a lot of hangers on who are family members who pluck some cash out of him from time to time. As you can see, Nigerians are very competitive by nature. We always want to keep up with others and we keep comparing ourselves to our friends. I believe in the Philosophy of staying where you are and making something out of your life. I believe I will start blossoming from where I am.

3. People Living Beyond Their Means: People return to Nigeria eventually because they don't understand the credit system that obtains in Europe and America. Nigerians are sometimes the architect of their own misfortunes in the UK. They run up so much credit card debts that beggars belief . All because they want to look good and show off when they are on holidays in Nigeria. Some people's finances are just messed up that they have no choice but to return to Nigeria to escape Credit and Debt Collectors. If you know you're not earning much money for now, why are you signing up to pricey Mobile Phone Contracts? Why are you signing up to expensive TV Contracts when you can watch TV on your laptop 9 Up to 700 Channels ) for a cheaper monthly subscription? These are the bills that are taking away your money . Some people invest so much in clothes and electrical gadgets abroad all in a bid to keep up appearances when they can start building their house gradually on a monthly basis in Nigeria. Why can't you buy your clothes online and look for bargains? Why must you eat out all the time when you can save some money by cooking at home? People do not also save some small money on a weekly or monthly basis which amounts to a substantial sum of money at the end of the year. Developing a savings habit is very vital.

4. Lack of Entrepreneurial Skills: There is a lot of money to be made by Nigerians abroad if they can just open their eyes and start thinking like the Asians. Nigerians need to start catering for the lack Communities wherever they are located. Nollywood and the Nigerian Music Industry is growing at a fast rate and Black Britons and Caribbean People will patronize events that are organized by enterprising Nigerians in the western world. I've been thinking along this line for some time now. It should not always be about opening African Food Stores and Beauty and Hair Salons. I'm yet to see a successful Black Entertainment Magazine in Europe unlike the USA. So there are opportunities for creative guys and ladies to make money abroad without necessarily returning back to Nigeria. The venture capitalists and investors are waiting to see Africans come up with some cool business ideas and they will surely back them up with some Capital. There is a lot to be done by Nigerians living in the Western World if they can cater for their communities by being very creative. All the structures to succeed are here. Just think deeply. Cheers.

5. Curses and Bad Luck: I don't have to dwell too much on this factor. Nigerians abroad need to connect with God regularly so as to stave off bad luck. Some people are not making progress in Europe because of Family Curses ( Generational Curses ) that are impeding their efforts. This has made some Nigerians return home due to frustration after working hard for so many years. May God continue to be with us all. Amen.

@Crackhouse is just a bitter person . I won't bother my head with him again. $5000 to travel to Nigeria on holidays from the USA? This guy must be high on something . Plane Tickets can be purchased for lower prices on different websites or directly from the Airline Desks at Airports all over the World. It all has to do with the timing of the holiday you're embarking. Ticket prices increase during Festive Seasons and during the summer. However, you can buy your ticket in advance months before your trip at a cheaper price. It also depends on the class of Airline you travel with. BA, Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates are expensive than South African Airlines, Egypt Air etc. And Nigerians abroad need to save up for their holidays just like they save up for everything else. Trying hard to paint Nigerians abroad as a suffering lot is wrong. Coming home on holidays is not something you just do at a whim. You need to plan for it properly and draw up a budget ( Save Up ) if you don't want to run back to Europe due to funds getting depleted before your holiday ends. Cheers.

Holidaying in Nigeria is something I will embark on early next year or in December 2012. I've not been to Nigeria since December 2007 and I really look forward to coming home to do a lot of things. There are some people I want to go and see because they made an impact upon my life. They took care of me at different stages of my life and I want to reward them in my own little way. I also need to collect my certificate from the University I finished from in Nigeria. I could not collect my Certificate ( BA Degree in History ) before jetting out of Nigeria for an adventure that is proving fruitful in Europe. I also want to spend some time in Ogun State, Ondo State and Oyo State. I want to visit tourist attractions like the Olumo Rock, Ikogosi Waterfalls, UI Zoo etc. So I guess I will spend up to 4-6 weeks in Nigeria. I won't be spending much time with my family in Nigeria before embarking on my trips across Nigeria. Let me stop here. I need to go back to work in order to save up for this planned trip. Hmn.

@Crackhouse, you're a big fool . Do you think every Nigerian abroad washes plates and pots for a living? And what if they do menial jobs in Europe and America? What is your Problem with that? Don't derail this thread with your narrow and bitter thinking, bruv. Some of these Nigerians or other Africans washing Plates for a living are doing it for reasons best known to them. Some are saving up their cash to go to school in the evening or receiving training that will help them get better jobs. Are they not even earning their money with peace of mind? How many Nigerians back home can boast of doing better than them? Please try and think deeply when you're posting on threads on Nairaland. You're a vile person with your comment. Cheers.

Where can I watch the game online? I need links, guys . Thanks.

The operating licence of Dana Airlines should be revoked indefinitely if it can be proved that the Plane involved in the crash was faulty before the fateful crash that claimed over 200 lives. I know the owners of Dana Airlines are trying to play a fast one on Nigerians by saying the Plane was not faulty and giving all kinds of excuses . I'm really worried with the way issues like Public Health and Safety are managed in Nigeria. We need to change the way we do things. Cheers.

It was D'Banj all right. I feel Kanye West introduced him officially to the world with this video. There might be more things to come the way I'm seeing it. Kanye and D'banj are great pals. Cheers.

The Indians and Chinese don't really have much respect for Nigerians because of the way we comport ourselves. That is why they feel they can get away with their sometimes dubious nature. The Indians know that Nigerian Government officials are corrupt and can be bought with cash, so they don't really care if they are punished because they know they can still do business in Nigeria later on. We need to change our attitude to things in Nigeria before foreigners will start to respect us. Cheers.

Well, a lot of stuff has been outlined in the other posts on this thread Let me just add my own nuggets of wisdom concerning Things you must know before leaving Nigeria.

1. Don't live beyond your means or else you will have nothing to call your own after 15-20 years in Europe and North America. Just because the British and American citizens all around you are looking good all the time and driving fancy cars, does not mean they are Rich. They're most likely living on credit cards and are living in bondage to debts. So cut you coat according to your size and look for bargains online when buying things you need.

2. Don't trust too many Nigerians because many of them are not happy with their situation. So they might just plot your downfall if you're fresh in the UK or US and doing better than them. Limit your visits to the homes of Family Members and Relatives and don't always announce your moves and plans to them. I'm not saying you should not be close to them but please you need your own space to live your life. Many Africans are bitter over here due to misfortunes they sometimes bring upon themselves. Don't let them unleash their bitterness on you. Don't also tell everyone about your status ( The kind of visa you have or Passport Type )as it can lead to hatred being directed against you.

3. Always send money directly to your Parents and Family Members in Nigeria. Don't send money through people to your loved ones. The cash you sent might not get to them. Tell your parents to give you the details on their National ID Card or Passport so you can send cash to them directly through MoneyGram, Ria or Western Union. They can go mand collect the money themselves in Nigeria.

4. Take the time to feed properly and maintain a balanced diet. Food is not that expensive in the UK and North America. Take the time to shop properly and buy nourishing food, cereals and fruits. Eat well. At least, you owe yourself good meals and food. Stock your Freezer with good food and I bet you won't be falling sick all the time. And don't always buy African food alone. Nigerian Food Products are expensive abroad.

5. Acquire more education and take the time to get training that will boost your earning power. Don't be comfortable working in menial jobs. Menial jobs should be done for a while to gather money that will be used to acquire professional training. There are loads of professional opportunities in Europe but you need to get trained to move up the ladder.

6. Develop a habit of saving. Make sure you have a savings account where you will put aside some money on a weekly or monthly basis. Be disciplined with your savings account and don't touch the cash in it except for emergencies.

7. Lastly, Make God the Pillar of your Life. You need God to survive outside Nigeria .

@Shymmex,

It does not matter if you've been in the UK longer than others on this Forum. You made a lot of sweeping generalizations that we are trying to correct and yet you continue to be abusive I now understand why you went through a hard time in the past. Living in any developed country has its challenges and I must confess that it is much more easier living in Britain than in some other countries in Europe. And who are you calling fake? You need to understand that there are knowledgeable people on Nairaland who know much more than you on different issues. Information matters a lot in life and great information can change your life for good. No one owes you anything in life. Not even the British System. You have to go out there and create your own PARADISE. No one will do it for you. Thanks.

@ Shymmex,

There are Scholarships in the UK Universities for both British and International Students. Like I said before, the US awards more scholarships for obvious reasons. The population of both countries are different. The Chevening Scholarship Scheme is one of the numerous scholarships on offer in the UK. The problem is many people in the UK do not bother looking for specific information that will meet their needs. It is not all about working to survive and pay bills. People just waste their internet bandwidth without researching online for opportunities in the UK. I know Africans in the UK that are on Scholarships in British Universities. They got the Scholarships to study before coming to the UK. Living in a Council Flat without heating is a CHOICE that people make . It should not be blamed on the System. No one will give you opportunity on a plate made with Gold. You've got to look for those opportunities yourself. No one owes you anything in the UK. The USA has its own social problems too. If you refuse to take responsibility for your life, you will continue to eat Coco chips all day long. Life is all about CHOICES.

@Shymmex,

Gifted teenagers in the UK ( irrespective of colour ) also get scholarships to study in Britain's Universities. You need to read more local papers to see what obtains in the Education Sector. It is not all British Students that attend University on student loans. Some local councils in England also give Grants to outstanding students for higher education. I know Southwark Council in London does that. I agree that the USA gives more scholarships to their youths than in Britain but there are also Sports Lottery Grants in the UK. If you've got a sports talent in Britain, you will be supported by Companies and the Athletics Federation. The Glass Ceiling against Blacks and other ethnic minorities in Britain is being broken gradually. If you're determined in the UK to be successful against all odds, you will make it. People that want to be poor will remain POOR. Life is all about CHOICES no matter where you live. The UK has a lot of Positives that cannot be ignored. If you're legal in the UK, nothing should stop you from achieving your dreams if you make up your mind to succeed. Racism exists but no one will create the future you want for you if you don't challenge the system intellectually and succeed. Cheers.

I've not been to the USA physically and all I've learned about America is through reading and internet research. So I can't really compare the standard of living in both the UK and the USA. However, England is a well organized country and I know what I am talking about. The Rule of Law is held in high esteem in England and Racism here is lower than what obtains in other European Nations. The UK tolerates a lot of things that countries like Germany, Switzerland and Norway will not accept. The standard of living in England depends on the intelligence and education of the family involved. I've been around the country and I've seen people living well and people living in run down homes. It is usually those without papers in England that live in terrible conditions. The British take care of their own and jobless people have something to fall upon. Most houses in Britain are built with bricks while many houses in the USA are made of wood . So which category of Real Estate has more value? It is not difficult to open a Bank Account in England or other parts of the UK. Your account can be opened on the same day you apply for it especially if you open it a branch of your Bank. All you need is your Passport and proof of your address 1.e Water Bill, Energy Bill, Council Letter etc. I make bold to see things are very organized in England.

There are job opportunities here in the UK despite the recession. You don't have to do 3 jobs to survive if you know what you're doing and if you know where to get things for a good price. I am someone that loves living a good life without spending too much money. I love looking for deals on the internet and I'm a huge fan of Amazon and Ebay. At least, I know my purchases will get to me without me having to leave my home. Why do people keep flocking to the UK if it is not a developed place? You need to see the number of people that apply for NI Numbers everyday in Britain. I believe the Tax System in the UK is one of the things that helps the country maintain its position as a developed Nation. Life is not a bed of roses though in England. There are social problems that still need to be solved and the integration of immigrants with the native population is far from the level it should be at. I won't agree with anyone that thumbs down England and the UK because this Country has given me a lot and has helped me to live a life I dreamed of as a kid. I'm still on the ascendancy. Cheers.

I also have a friend who works with a top bank in Nigeria and who is also thinking of doing his Masters Program in the UK or Canada. He earns close to 170,000 Naira Monthly on his current bank job and he is in a dilemma as to whether he should proceed for his Masters abroad. I've read all the posts on this thread and I agree with all the contributions. However, I believe life is all about opportunities and destiny. You don't have to go to a A List University or College in Europe or North America to make it in life or in your career . There are Nigerians who did not even attend Foreign Universities who are tying down top positions in Companies in Europe. They just went for short courses in Professional Centres. Sometimes, it boils down to how good you are and not necessarily the school you acquired your education from. There are Nigerians who still get good jobs in Europe and the UK with Post Graduate Degrees from B and C List Universities in the UK. It is all about destiny. Cheers.

Roberto Di Matteo has managed other smaller clubs in England, so I feel it won't be bad for him to manage Chelsea in the Premiership next season. I know Di Matteo will do well if he is employed as Chelsea FC Coach on a full time basis. It does not matter if Didier Drogba is leaving for China. New players will arrive at Stamford Bridge and blend in with the squad that is on ground. Matteo already knows and understands the Chelsea FC system. Next Season is going to be very busy at Stamford Bridge because the club has won many new fans who will be coming to watch games at the Stadium. I want RDM to be Chelsea FC's Coach next Season. Cheers.

The Lekki Conservation Centre is the brainchild of Late Chief S.L Edu, an indigene of Epe and a strong businessman. Chief Edu devoted some of his money to ensure that the Lekki Conservation Centre was set up to protect the environment and animals in the selected area. Try and visit the place. Cheers.

I don't care what people say, but Chelsea FC's victory is worth celebrating and deserves a Thanksgiving in church . It was a divine victory and it shows God is interested in the affairs of Men. Up Blues .

I am just so happy this morning. God, I thank you o I feel like rolling on the ground praising Jehovah Nissi. This victory is a special one. Everyone had written Chelsea FC off this Season. Now we are the Champions of Europe. God is good Now I need to move forward with my plans for 2012. If Chelsea FC can do it, I can do it too. Yes O .

I need a new link to wath the game online. The link I was using has been truncated due to copyright violation. Any link guys? Help me out

Hi Guys, can I get a good link to watch the match online? I'm not at home. Help me out!!!!!

There are no blessings in using another person's ID to work. It always ends this way if the person involved does not sort himself out quickly. ID Theft and Fraud is not a good thing to engage in as it slowly kills you and makes you lose your self respect. You will not have peace of mind as you will be having thoughts that you might get caught one day. You won't really make progress because you are not doing things in your own real name- The names that you were given at birth and which God sanctioned. There is a curse from the bottom of hell attached to the lives of those using another person's ID to work or survive anywhere in the world. If you are in Europe or North America and you're contemplating using another person's ID to work, please don't do it. It is a ticket to a life of bondage, retrogression and modern slavery to the person who really owns the ID. The person that gave you his or her ID to use will keep controlling and disrespecting you. Just find ways to legalize yourself and pray hard for a solution from God. God answers prayers. Cheers .

My prayer is that Chelsea FC will win the 2012 Champions League. Chlesea FC will not lose that day. Amen.

This is really bad I served in Akure, Ondo State in 2005/2006 and I can't believe things have gotten worse for Corpers in Nigeria. So Corpers now have to eat on credit or resort to frequenting the Family House of the NCCF to survive . I know what I went through as a Corper back then. We would be praying for the end of the Month and quickly dash to the bank to receive our allowances. And I lived with 2 other Corpers in a room we rented at the Isolo Area of Akure, Ondo State. I thank God that I survived that one year of suffering by planning for my future. You guys should start planning for your future because the FG will not be there for you after your passing out parade. Cheers.

Fadeyi Oloro The guy was so wicked that I always saw him in my dreams and had nightmares back then. I loved the Yoruba Dramas on NTA 7 and NTA Ibadan. Then there was Voltron, Thundersub, Super Ted, Mickey Mouse, The Spectacular Spiderman and Robin Hood on NTA 2 Channel 5 and NTA Channel 10. Lagos Television ( LTV ) and Lagos Weekend Television ( LWT ) also screened Thundersub and Robin Hood series on their own special days. Chief Zubrudaya and the New Masquerade Program. Then Kidivision 101, 321 Contact, Tales By Moonlight etc. Damn, the 80's and early 90's were the bomb. Cheers.

I attended Ijebu-Ode Grammar School in Ogun State for my Secondary education. Back in those days ,life was fun even though we did not have much money or came from wealthy homes. I was very quiet in secondary school but that did not stop me from getting into trouble with my friends. I remember composing love letters that guys from my school used in wooing girls from other schools in town. I was very good with words so guys gave me some of their provisions so that I would write love letters for them to use in dating girls . I remember scaling the fence of our boarding house to buy moin-moin in town along Ibadan Road. The Moin Moin would now be resold to junior students at outrageous prices. Back in the early 90's when Coke and Pepsi were 50k and 1 Naira per bottle. The senior students loved obtaining from Junior Students and woe fell on you if you did not yield to their greedy requests. You would be given 50 kobo and told to buy snacks worth 2 Naira and also come back with some change . Going to the SS3 Block as a JSS 1 or JSS 2 was a taboo as you were likely to be beaten up or sent on various errands till you become very tired. I remember this dangerous game we played in JSS 3 some minutes before we closed everyday. As soon as it was 1.45pm, lockers and chairs will start flying in the air. Some of my classmates got injured in the process. I was hit in the back by a chair flung at me one day. We thought we were having fun back then but I now realize it was actually a dangerous thing we were doing.

I remember guys like Adeoye ( Skinki Pororo ), Tope ( Ogegbo ) Michael Okuneye ( Lord Core ), Joshua Ukaps etc. I remember the football matches between Secondary Schools in Ijebu-Ode and the fierce rivalry then. Fights usually broke out after the matches with daggers, knives and charms being used freely. Guys got stabbed or hit with potent charms. There was this dangerous school known as Commercial ( Moslem Comprehensive High School,iJEBU-oDE )then. Many students in the school were thugs especially the boys. I was bad at Mathematics in Secondary School and I hated Biology and Music as subjects. I spent most times in the Library reading about different places around the world. Who remembers the White House Food Canteen outside the Gates of JOGS near the Petrol Station? Then there was this barbing salon 'HeadBoyz' or is it 'Headmasters' outside the school gates? The 90's were great. I am an adult now but can't forget those days. Cheers.

Keep the experiences coming, peeps. I am laughing with my eyes full of tears Guys really went through a lot of stuff as students of Public Schools back in the days. I will come back and give you my own stories. Cheers.

While I seriously believe the NYSC Program should be scrapped or modified, it remains a great opportunity to network with ambitious people and encounter new cultures. I served in Ondo State ( Akure )about six years ago and I enjoyed being part of the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship ( NCCF ). As a NCCF Member, I was able to visit the inner villages and hamlets of Ondo State on evangelism (Rural Rugged ) activities. I also discovered new places in the State and made good friends. I did not not enjoy the service year in many other ways too. I was not paid at my place of Primary Assignment ( National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Akure )and I hardly did anything at the place. I just collected my Monthly Letter from them that enabled me to get my NYSC allowance. It was a frustrating experience. The good thing was that I spent most of my time at the National Library in Akure reading about places all over the World. It was while serving that I plotted my way out of Nigeria and I am happy where I am now. So use the NYSC Scheme to reach for the stars. Cheers.

I will come back and give my own view tomorrow. Cheers.

@Juzhilz

While I appreciate your post about people not giving up on Nigeria, you got some facts wrong. Nigerians and other Africans in the UK are not 3rd class citizens. There are British people in the UK whose living conditions are worse than those of immigrants. If not for the welfare system in Britain, many British people will not be able to compete with Africans and Asians when it comes to living well. There is what is called the Rule of Law in the UK and it does not care if you are a 1st class or 5th class Citizen. It does not matter if you hold a British Passport. As long as you break the law, you will be punished. If you are a Briton and you act in a racist manner against a foreigner, you will be punished and you will end up getting a criminal record that will stop you from getting good jobs. When you walk on the streets of Britain, no one really knows if you're British or an Immigrant. No one knows if you are legal or illegal. So people and the Police are very careful when dealing with people in the UK. We need to have the Rule of Law in Nigeria for the country to start developing properly. Too many people in Nigeria are above the law and this is very wrong. I am not saying Africans are not being discriminated against in the UK, but it is up to immigrants to better themselves in the long run. And the facilities to reach for greater heights are present in Europe and North America.

You also talked about Damilola Taylor and how he was killed in Peckham. Peckham is not a run down area and please don't compare it to Ajegunle in Lagos. Peckham is better than most areas in Abuja when it comes to functional facilities. It is just that many Africans including Nigerians live in the area. However, the public amenities in Peckham are better than what obtains in many parts of Nigeria. Damilola Taylor's Father moved to the UK with his family for reasons best known to him. So don't blame the Man. Blame the System and Government that failed him back in Nigeria. Blame the disorganization down there. Please don't talk about things you don't know about. The Public Schools in Peckham are better than most Private Schools in Nigeria and the Hospitals there are far advanced than what obtains in Nigeria. You can't move to Europe and America without facing discrimination. At the end of the day, it is up to you to prove yourself and make something out of your life. The FG is not even trying to put structures in place that will enable Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and invest in the country. Is it too hard for the FG to encourage Nigerians abroad to set up companies in Nigeria by waiving import duties on the equipment they bring into the country? Is it too hard for the FG to set up Industrial Parks all over Nigeria with 24-7 Electricity, Water, Good Roads etc where Nigerian Returnees from Europe and America can have offices and warehouses at cheap prices to start their companies from ground up? The Federal Government will then be able to collect taxes from the Companies that use the Industrial Parks scattered all over the Country. Nigeria needs visionary leaders. I'm just pissed off with people who can't sit down and plan for their future no matter where they are. Cheers.