My Nigeria Experience

THESSA BAGU

Today marks my 15th year in #Nigeria. I was supposed to be here for 2 years, a career break of sorts, but you never know what life has in store for you. This is always the day that I reflect on the turn my life took, a turn for the better I must add, when I moved to Nigeria.

I reflect on this while I’m stuck in traffic. I live in Lagos and traffic is the daily staple. Luckily it doesn’t rain as then a canoe would be more useful to navigate the city. Every day here comes with its unique set of challenges, often entirely unpredictable and very often also totally unnecessary. There are days you just want to pack up and go.

I’ve half-jokingly asked people to give me reasons to stay. Since morning people sent me statements like “you can really have an impact here”, “your landlord needs you for his income”, “business opportunities that allow you to make a lot of money”, “jollof rice”, “affordable childcare”, “the weather here sustains beauty”, “cultural & natural richness” and “great music”. Is any of this compelling enough?

The truth is that Nigeria has blessed me with a fabulous family, amazing friends, a thriving business, and much more. I’ve been lucky to have been to most parts of the country, meet super interesting people, and experience situations that have grown me as a human being. Nigeria’s made me an optimist, and even in these days of widespread poverty, insecurity and general wahala I’d like to think that “tomorrow go betta”.

So no, you won’t see me in Canada any time soon   

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