jamaicangi:

What black man is US president? I thought that a half-black man was president?
Don't tell me that the brainwashing of the African Americans by white Americans is now reaching into the minds of Nigerians.
We (Blacks) should not believe in the one drop rule,

@jamaicangi, the point is that he is considered non-white.

The argument originated as a result of race versus confidence level of a minority

Ok All,

Interesting thread no doubt.

I actually do read all threads that have to do with this burning qq.

Staying back in the West or moving back to Nigeria.

Fortunately, I have been thru the 2 worlds and would like to share my experience,

1) Don't deceive yourself, there is truly nothing like home. I always tell people, if u didn't get the opportunity to travel in the first place, wouldn't u have remained in Nigeria and make the best of what we've got here,

2) Life in the West is lonely and I dare say that. Your folks and relatives will become strangers to u. The Nigerian churches do not help matters as the Pastor is either looking to get his/her own papers too or means of sustenance.

3) Nigeria is tough and I dare say that again, but like a poster rightly suggested, u must make up your mind and decide what u want in life,

4) Racism is real, I used to think racism was only common in less sophisticated environments but was proved wrong so many times,

By and large, if u decide to come back home. U must drop every garb of 'I'm coming from abroad and behave like the Nigerian that u are'. 'Time and chance happeneth to them all' says the Bible. Be humble and willing to take cabs, hop on a bike and sweat. U should have a plan for the eventual transition home. Look for a job. Believe me, there are still openings with several multi-nationals in this country. Only in Feb, a friend was relocated from d middle east by one of the big 5 telcos in Nigeria.

Have your business plan well written and tested. There are several opportunities in this country. This morning, I looked at the empty PET bottle of water I just finished consuming and d thot of recycling came to mind.

In the almost 4 years I spent in the US, I met several people in their 40s and 50s who really wanted to come back home but cannot handle the fear of resettlement. The greatest fear in my opinion is the fact that their colleagues in Nigeria have since moved on.

For me, it's been an experience. I have witnessed all sorts and heard all sorts. One thing is sure though, I have no regrets whatsoever. Truthfully, I am living my dreams.

All said, we are products of our CHOICES and do not forget the GOD factor, Let Him guide your steps,

Wilife:


In the almost 4 years I spent in the US, I met several people in their 40s and 50s who really wanted to come back home but cannot handle the fear of resettlement. The greatest fear in my opinion is the fact that their colleagues in Nigeria have since moved on.

I believe this brand of 'fear' can be overcomed with the right attitude.
Anyone staying longer than you in Nigeria would have learnt somethings better than you; and vice versa. You must have also acquired some things they haven't.

Like I promised I would do, I have just landed a good job with one of the top oil companys in Naija, My starting pay is just slightly under a Million every month after tax.

And no! It was not connection, I had wat they wanted and proved it to em. And the comp is still recruiting,

So I did make the right decision. From begging to be employed as a security guard in Canada even as at December last year for 16 dollars an hour in the thick of winter to working at over $150 (usd) per day in a comfortable office with a secretary and benefits just 3months and 5 days since my flight arrived naija,

If u r just an artisan plls go abroad but if u have a good degree from a reputable institution and u r certain u are worth ur claim then I beg u to pls go back home, MTN, Oil comps, Advertisment firms, contracts, e.t.c,

Okija Juju, nice to hear from you again .We at Nairaland were wondering why you haven't shown face here for more than three months after we bade you goodbye and safe journey.It's good to hear you have landed yourself a good job in an oil company.

Smart move@Okija, there are some people here who believe that America is the ultimate, even if it means doing menial job. To me, I just dont see the sense in working security guard in America, while your counterparts are working at plush jobs at banks with secretaries and taking home a nice sum of money at the end of the month. There has to be fulfillment in one's career, irrespective of your locale.

^^^^^ I too agree. Working a menial job in the US truly isn't worth it in my opinion. Not with gas rising to $4/gallon, along with sky-rocketing costs of food.

ogugua88:

^^^^^ I too agree. Working a menial job in the US truly isn't worth it in my opinion. Not with gas rising to $4/gallon, along with sky-rocketing costs of food.

Omo its now $5 in California

@okija

Nice one.

I cant live in this nonsense country. So hells to the Yeah, am getting my a$$ back to my country as soon as I'm done here.

@OP, can you mange a business or have you manged one before? If you think you can handle it, then go for it!

For more on global Black issues tune and respond to the merchantofthejungle’s youtube channel at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKZS4iCSehQ

People of Africa; iron sharpens iron, so is a man that sharpens the countenance of his friend; you guys have spoken well about your various experiences that serve as determinants for moving back home or staying. Remember life begins with a vision and purpose. To some of us , we got in the middle of a journey before we discovered that escaping form economic dungeons, survival or following trends are not the only occurrences that matter but that; we must set goals , especially long term goals that will enable us to strategize and fulfill our missions. This world is a huge place. As people, we occupy small portions of it. There are two things that are constantly at loggerheads in the hearth of many who are trying to be fulfilled in life. They are security and significance. Sometimes, doesn’t life seem to tempt us to rob Peter to pay Paul or vice versa?
Our survival as individuals with families is crucial as well as our significance on the globe as black people. So a well-planned strategy that will allow us to prioritize our objectives will help us succeed at both. If you only survive economically; the significant aspect of you will cry. If you only address significant matters and neglect your immediate survival with your household, you run the risk of being a laughing stock with unrealistic rhetoric’s at hand. So please, first realize that if you were born with the initial upbringing rooted in African culture; you are initially exposed; or are already grounded in the mentality of insufficiency at home (at least many Africans think that way) .No wonder why it is hard for one who thinks by the Afrocentric experience; not to think as a global citizen, because we know there is something out there that might be available for exploration, that we have to strive to be part of. However; the American mind or the western mind is not the same. Decades of thriving economies, world dominance and uninterrupted legitimate governments have caused many to be self- sufficient and to think less of “other than western”, non-white, Un-American or to them; international(which of course is swept under a single pile).
Due to this effect, we just need to realize whether our purpose; as our present and future goals determine, is effective enough to contribute our own quota to society; to better people’s lives where ever we are. Black elites(which many professional Nigerians are becoming); should create reciprocity, by liberating black Americans who have been dehumanized by the cultural blemish of America through allocating diaspora tax, in addition to God, Government and Home tax. Fund inner city empowerment campaigns for black children who have been written off as future prisoners or American society. These children may grow up to reciprocate the same to Africa’s final liberation in the future. Or better still; go home and make something work, or solve a problem that many people are facing through your business. There are many opportunities like, clean water, light, education, and sustainability and reusable commodities.

For more on global Black issues tune and respond to the merchantofthejungle’s youtube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKZS4iCSehQ