Living in Nigeria may feel like a “frying pan” condition but the hope of survival is still considerably better no matter how minute, than the fire of the “desert”. If you believe anywhere is better than Nigeria..think again! Lest you migrate from frying pan to fire! Beware of the syndrome known as “abroad mentality”. The words of Enitan Ibironke, a seasoned migration expert I hosted on my radio show(tune in to Mindscope on Eko89.7fm every Monday at 1.10pm) recently, intrigued and stimulated me to write this article.”One of our major challenges in Nigeria is the ‘abroad mentality’ that is, if I’m living abroad I will be seen as a big boy or big girl..once I spend foreign currency, I will be highly respected..it’s all about keeping up with the Joneses. This is an erroneous mindset, in fact, the youths especially those within 16-34 years are more vulnerable to irregular migration largely because of economic reasons..search for greener pastures. The record shows that more than ten thousand Nigerians have died while migrating through the desert in 2017. So sad! We need to understand that our true wealth is in our sense of dignity and the value we bring to the table at any point in time. We cannot discountenance the fact that life is tough here in Nigeria but things are not so easy abroad as some of our people think..there is no free lunch even in Freetown. If you desire to travel out, then go through the regular(legal) means.”
Hmm..need I say more? The lyrics of Bob Marley’s redemption song strikes a chord with almost everyone. Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. I paraphrase, emancipate yourself from “abroad mentality”. No doubt, systems, and processes in the developed countries are pretty efficient and transparent but some people actually sacrificed their “all” to fix those economies. You would agree with me that a chicken in Nigeria will remain a chicken even if it migrates to the far ends of the earth. If you do not develop your “CCC” that is- Character, Competence, and Capacity while here, it will be impossible for you to maximize the opportunities you encounter abroad. Get the basics right. The journey of wholesome success is step by step not leap by leap, do not despise the seeds of talents/gifts in your hands, groom them and the world will be your stage. A grain of mustard seed isn’t very big; in fact, it is the tiniest of all seeds, but it will never amount to anything if it is not properly planted and cultivated. Don’t become a “desperado”. Remember…he that brought about rain should prepare for a drench himself. These words are for men not men in the making!
“…The best graduating student from the Mass Communication department this year is none other than Linda Aremu (not real name). Dear esteemed audience, may I crave your indulgence to rise as we welcome our young genius to the podium.”..the MC announced. “Wow!!!” The audience, especially her classmates shouted and hailed as Linda walked up to the podium, waving at the elated audience, to receive her award from the vice-chancellor.
“Miss Aremu, are you in for the deal?”..Miss Aremu…Miss Aremu!!! Linda suddenly heard her name and jerked out of acute nostalgia for her university days. “Gosh! I apologize Mr. Leo for my silence, I was in deep thoughts, I must confess to you, I will never stoop so low to do such..No!!!..just because I’m seeking a gainful employment in your radio station does not warrant you to reduce me to a prostitute. Sir, you are asking for too much….please I would like to take my leave..” Hmm..she beard the lion in his den! “I pity you, young lady. I just wanted to help you, obviously, you are obsessed with your “First class” result….no deal means no job!..do as you please.” Mr. Leo snapped.
Linda’s eyes were red as scarlet as she walked out of the office cautiously, “ God, of what good is my dedication to you?.. of what use is my first class result? I was celebrated as the best graduating student but this is the fifth interview I have attended after my graduation and nothing good has come out of all these efforts. What kind of life is this? I always meet a predator who wants to sleep with me..is it my fault that I’m brilliant and beautiful? Ha!!! Nigeria! “As she jerked open the gate, the figure of the incoming visitor caught her attention, a woman with large strong features: a tall, handsome woman, she looked up to feed her eyes and suddenly remembered the face. Oh! Chioma..she shouted with excitement. The lady, gracefully turned to Linda, revealing her hairy legs, and screamed..”Linda! ..my goodness..what are you doing here?” In wild enthusiasm, Linda hugged Chioma, her former roommate. Linda and Chioma were best of friends in the hostel when they met at the senate house during registration and they were two of a kind.. they both had a passion to excel academically and stand out in their careers and have stable family lives. However, just before their final year graduation, Linda observed the questionable desire in Chioma to travel out of the country at all cost and confronted her. Chioma reacted strangely with silence and packed her things out of Linda’s room. She later sent Linda a letter instructing her to mind her business. Of course, she did. Chioma eventually traveled abroad without completing her course at the university. This became hot news for the gossips in the institution…to be continued next week.
Having a desire to travel abroad is good but how you go matters. There are numerous opportunities such as scholarships, remote working etc available, contact: The Migrant Project team for proper counseling. Please call the numbers: 08169229349, 08061637956, 09035136713 or visit- The Migrant Project on Facebook.