This is sad but true. I remember when I became a UK citizen, I couldn’t even bring myself to celebrate it on social media because I didn’t think it was necessary, even though I celebrated it privately.
Leaving Nigeria feels like victory: victory away from negativity, from life’s uncertainties, from a place where basic amenities are denied and human life is not valued. Life is not easy anywhere, but a good environment with basic provisions and the rule of law is what we need to navigate the crucibles of life, something Nigeria, in its current state, lacks.
A place where building one kilometre of road is celebrated by the government as if they have done extraterrestrial work; where the killing of 200 Christians is described as “just 200”; where education is slowly going extinct for the poor; where graduates have no hope of working in the fields they studied. Today, people go to university not as a path to contribute to the homeland, but as a gateway to travel abroad because the system has stripped education of honour, value and purpose. How many people in Nigeria still graduate at 20 or 21 and become independent? Doctors are less valued, government or many private hospitals are poorly equipped… in fact, eeh.
Anyways, Congratulations to those who have managed to escape, and prayers for all who are still enduring and hoping.
My prayer is that you and we are not hoping against hope, because there’s no place like home.
And until the time when change happens, God will make a way for all of us. Amen 🙏🏽
No group celebrates Western citizenship like Nigerians. They make a spectacle of it and you’d think escaping home is the dream.
Is Nigeria really that unlivable?
I came across your comment, and it honestly saddened me as a Nigerian. The truth is that fewer than two million Nigerians combined live in Canada, the UK, and the US—yet we often appear the loudest online. Other countries have far higher immigrant numbers, but their citizens do not constantly drag their homeland or celebrate leaving it as if it’s a badge of honour.
Many Nigerians have adopted the habit of devaluing their own country on the internet, and unfortunately, this makes it seem like “escaping” is the ultimate achievement. But most nations teach their people to protect the image of their country, not tear it down for clout or online applause.
Nigeria is not unlivable. It has challenges, yes, but it is still home to millions building honest lives, raising families, succeeding in business, and shaping culture across the world. Celebrating citizenship is fine—but turning it into proof that Nigeria is worthless is the real tragedy.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and may more Nigerians learn the value of uplifting their country rather than ridiculing it.
Just won the Mermaid Award in Sweden.
The Mermaid Award is given annually by the Gothenburg Book Fair to a writer who has deeply moved Swedish readers.
Making it third award in 2025.
👏🏽
Recently while I was praying I called God the author and finisher of my faith. But after that, I had a moment of reflection. I asked myself to name three authors I stan. I mentioned Chimamada. And two others but not with authority and conviction.
… I connected it back to calling God the author of my faith. The lesson I took from it? I called God the author and finisher of my faith for a lack of a more thoughtful name. It's pure copy and paste from hearing others say it. I retraced my steps and called God my peace, my joy
#Thetraitors was a brilliant TV show!! I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I was rooting for Harry. He played the game of deception and calculation really well.