Gone are the days when Nigerians travel out to settle in other countries to seek for greener pastures. Now, Nigerian Immigrants reside abroad for various purposes.
Chatting with three successful youths in the UK, Malaysia and South Africa, they each explained why they decided to live and work outside their country as well as their journey so far.
Prince Ademola Omisore of sexy AfroBeats Ent. London
Prince Ademola Omisore |
At what point in your life did you decide to leave the shores of your country?
To be precise, I didn't leave the shore of Nigeria in search for greener pasture as "Andrew". Early in my 20's, I happened to be a principal officer at the Ministry of Finance and when opportunity posed itself, I joined French Construction Company which afforded me the opportunity to shuttle between continents in official capacity.
Has there been any regrets since you left?
Left? Nope, still remains part and parcel of my great country Nigeria and it will interest you to know that I belong to progressive political movement as far back as 2000. As one time aspirants for my State (Spring State) to effect good governance at all levels, improve on service delivery system to the communities and to deliver dividends of democracy to the grass root with transparency regardless of party affiliations still remains my focus and intentions for the betterment of my people and its environs. You know, political terrain in Nigeria just like everywhere else most especially in a developing world could be very volatile and risky, as the saying goes "It's a tough job, somebody got to do it". With fears of unknown, it keeps quality people out of politics, that's why you see so many touts become councils Executive secretaries with no formal tools to administer. For the progressive minded, who still have believe that there is light at the end of tunnel,will continue to strife and demand from the impostors who stole the mandates of the commoners through violence, acts, mayhems, ballots stuffing, electoral malpractices and god fatherism, impose their fraudulent governance on the nation, to get their acts together before Peoples Revolution give them taste of their medicine. In response to your question, only regret is that when there is war rampage you don't back the war but face it squarely as a man and damn the consequences. Adoption of country of abode, it's a temporary gesture for ventilation. When the time come,we will represent at all levels.So help me God
So how come you are involved in entertainment now?
That's my passion. I love music, organize events, social activities and media. Also as a business mode of investment. Don't forget, entertainment is peoples oriented business, if you can succeed putting smile and joy in peoples life, literally you are already a politician.
What is your good, bad and ugly experience so far living abroad?
I've been lucky so far during my brief sojourn in western hemisphere that my good experience exceed the adverse. Business wise, I will consider myself successful most especially in New York, as a successful Real Estate and Mortgage Broker with headquarter in Carnasie, Brooklyn, NY. Also here in London Entertainment outfit.
The bad and ugly aspects only limited to institutional racism, which is a cancerous acts commonly noticed across the society. Depends on the level of individual exposure, one can handle and overcome the challenges. Once you comply with the law and ordinance of the establishment, you will be fine. Thanking God for His Mercy endureth forever, so far so good.
Your wish for Nigeria?
At 52+ Nigeria has done so much for us all, it's now our turn of what we can do for her. Nigeria is a beautiful name and country endowed with abundant resources both natural and in human endeavor. Nigeria deserves to be peaceful with co existence of all its inhabitants and its neighbors. Good governance a must to have with visionary leaders at all 4 tiers of governments. Eradication of poverty, good infrastructures, provision of clean water, world class level education at all levels, affordable health provision to all, job creations via private sectors by providing adequate funding for easy accessible loan programs through Banks, Security to life and property. Doing so will ultimately entice foreign investments which will helps in job creations. Corrupt free society and complete eradication of "chop I chop" style of governments at all levels. Religious tolerance must be a focus of any administration as terrorist acts divert attentions and resources away from government agendas as this may also destabilize it. Equitable distribution of nations wealth to allay the fears of the host community. Justice is a task that must be done as Judicial is the last hope of the common man. Let Justice be seen to be served . All security personnels must be well paid like their foreign counterparts and well equipped logistically to international standard . Agricultural sector must be revamped and encourage new generation into farming with adequate funding to attract intended modern farmers. Good government economy and fiscal policy will go a long way to stimulate the economy. In view of these, Nigeria, without a doubt will now be power to reckon with region wise and on international scene. God Bless Nigeria and Her Citizens.
Opa6ix - South Africa
Opa6ix |
When was the breaking point for you that made you decide to live abroad?
What really happened is that I love crazy things and in Nigeria we don't have lots of shopping malls and recreational facilities, and I just decided to travel round to see what's out there. So basically, I traveled out just to be exposed, see what's out there for me
Does it mean you are doing great here in South Africa?
I'm doing ok, fine better. I have been doing good even before I left Nigeria
What has your experience been like?
My experience traveling abroad has been great, I have seen a lot of things, when you have money, you can invest abroad, and it is good to be a foreign investor, you have a lot of properties, rather than being self made in your country
Has there been any regret living abroad?
Well sometimes I just miss home, being in my country especially when it comes to food, like Amala.
Sometimes, when it comes to racism, when you are in another man's country, you wish you are in your country, being embarrassed by stupid people who don't worth anything in your country.
Your wish for Nigeria
My wish for Nigeria is for stable light, I can imagine spending 23 thousand naira on diesel everyday, also for the bad roads to be fixed.
Are you Married, if not, can you marry a foreigner?
I'm not married. I divorced few months ago, for now I'm not really ready for that. And, No I wouldn't like to marry a South African girl, I love any girl from my country, I don't wanna marry a foreigner, we have the best in our country, I can pick any one from there.
On Music and Money Making
I can make my money anywhere, infact, I have just got a property I'm renovating in SA.
Right now I and my manager are working on my videos, and we are working on my album coming out in December.
I just want people to know Opa6ix is a free person to meet. My twitter is @Opa6ix and facebook is unbeatable Opa6ix
Emmanuel - Malaysia
Emmanuel |
When was the breaking point for you that made you decide to live abroad?
It was in 2010, Level of education and some personal reasons too
Have you been able to achieve that so far?
Yes I have and also created an avenue to achieve other things aside education which was the main motive
What has your experience been so far?
My experience? Hmm... Things has been going on fine and smooth, though there are some bad and ugly moments too
The good.. You living in a country that's not lacking the basic amenities like water,good roads,light e.t.c Makes life very easy and smooth
The bad. Its always lonely out here, there is no place like home like they always say, now I understood that because you feel lonely not just because you need someone to talk to but because you need to feel safe (like being around your friend and friends). you get to make your decisions alone either negative or positive
The ugly is the racial abuse.. It can't be eradicated, it can only be reduced
Has there been any regret living abroad?
No, there haven't.
5 comments:
Atleast we don't travel out as beggars anymore
I'm proud that Nigerians in diaspora are doing great.
From their pix, you ll see they are not hungry people looking for greener pastures
Nice one wendy, keep it up
Pleasant revelations..
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