“Second Class Citizen”
The above phrase is a popular ‘jab’ that those in Nigeria use towards those abroad. They say “id rather live like a king in Nigeria than be treated like a second class citizen abroad”. However, I’d really like to question how realistic this statement is - aside from the very FEW wealthy folks in Nigeria, how many people actually live like ‘kings’? Is it leaving your house at 4-5am every morning to return home by 8-9pm at night due to nightmarish traffic? Or returning home to no electricity and the overbearing heat that comes along with that? Perhaps it is being harassed by blood thirsty, illiterate policemen and SARS officials... or the terrible customer service you experience in almost every bank, restaurant or public service area if you do not know anyone there or you are not someone considered to be worthy of basic human respect. What about tribalism which has consistently plagued the Nigerian society.

Don’t get me wrong, racism is a thing abroad – but it is also highly subjective and very subtle/minimal especially in this day and age of inter-culturalism in the western world. Now I can’t speak for all countries but the UK is a highly culturally diverse society – the Nigerian community here is HUGE. You can successfully live in most parts of the UK without ever coming to terms with the colour of your skin (ask those in London, Birmingham, Northampton, Nottingham, Manchester, Cambridge, Essex etc..). There are areas within London which you will only find Nigerians living there.. Racism in the UK is non-existent in some areas and covert/hidden in others – needless to say, you WILL get a job, a good one at that (if you are qualified). You will not be spat at or violently attacked because of your race, you will not experience weird stares (these people have been surrounded by blacks & Asians for years) we are used to seeing all shades of skin tones and you will blend in just fine ok!

I say all this to say that even if those abroad are treated as “second class citizens” (which is in itself not true).. better a second-class citizen in Heaven than a first class citizen in Hell.

Loneliness & Boredom
Another assumption made by many in Nigeria is that those abroad are living in loneliness – which is a subjective matter. The opposite of living a “boring life” is living a “fun-filled life” right? Fun in itself is a very subjective matter which is wholly dependent on the personality of the said individual. What many call ‘fun’ in Nigeria could be the parties/owambes, hanging out with friends and family or perhaps just the noise pollution and chaos on the streets which guarantee that everyday is filled with drama of some sort.

But what if, just what if, those things are not what tickles your fancy? What if you enjoy your privacy without having anyone in your business? What if you don’t like parties? What if you enjoy living in a sane climate? What if you enjoy the company of the few friends you DO have abroad? What if the hustle and bustle of living in Nigeria wears you out? Would you consider ‘home’ a happy place if you are an introvert? So my dear ‘abroadians’, before you start assuming that those in Nigeria are “having fun” stop and think twice. You may not necessarily enjoy the lifestyle over there (especially if you are someone who has spent a reasonable amount of years abroad). The lifestyle in Nigeria is of high stress NOT freedom or ‘fun’.

Bills, Mortgages and Finance
Many in Nigeria assume those abroad are laden with bills and rely heavily on finance (i.e. paying monthly for cars, houses etc). Now I can’t totally dispute that fact but I would like to correct the negative connotations associated with this. Firstly, not everyone abroad finances their cars, but most homeowners do take out mortgages on their property.

However, for those who do use finance, I don’t think it is a thing of shame to pay monthly to drive a modern luxury car that you love … neither do I think one should be ashamed to obtain a mortgage to purchase a lovely home to raise your family in – everything is subjective especially when you compare things to your counterparts in Nigeria who claim to have paid in full for their cars (which is in fact an old run down 1999 – 2004 model 'lexus' which is equivalent to a mere £2000 - £3000 cash).

They could also claim that their houses are “mortgage free” but will omit the fact that majority of Nigerians live in rented houses/apartments and those who own their homes have spent years building it – some spend their entire lifetime trying to complete a building project whilst living as tenants .. so in reality, how is this any better than paying mortgage for a few years? At least with a mortgage you get to live in that house you are paying for unlike those in Nigeria who do not get to live in their building projects until years later and they are nearing old age.

It is therefore a very regressive way of thinking when Nigerians look down on those abroad who take out finance when the lifestyle in Nigeria is quite appalling to say the least.

Menial Jobs
This is very much dependant on your circle of friends/associates and immigration status. However, in my experience, the Nigerians I see around me are doing exceptionally well abroad – we are Business Analysts, Engineers, Scientists, Senior Social Workers, Occupational Health Therapists, Project Managers, Accountants, Solicitors, Pharmacists etc.. meaningful careers that pay well. Some of us here are real hustlers, getting certified and working contract jobs that fetch up to £450 per day (ask those Project Managers, IT technicians and Business Analysts). Therefore, the myth of menial jobs is very much outdated and perhaps only applicable to students or new immigrants in their first 1 – 3 years.

Feel free to add your points.

As if poor people no dey USA.


The only country I can discharge to is Saudi..

.end of story

What you wrote up there is simply your own experience. There are people in same UK who probably have bitter experiences.

Besides, you used the UK which has a large black community and a relatively good economy as your case study. What about other countries in Europe that are renowned for racism coupled with their struggling economy?

The most important point you made is simply that of sanity. The kind of stressful lifestyle we live here in Nigeria is why our life expectancy keeps fluctuating between 40-49 years.

In all, it is not easy anywhere. We also have people living large in same Nigeria. So Whether abroad or Nigeria, I have made the personal decision to give my kids a better life. You too should do same.

See our signature for quality services..

Relocation is a choice

Whether Nigeria or abroad, the most important thing is to be successful (whatever the word "successful" means to you)

As for me, i can't stay in Nigeria because i wasn't born to stay in one place. I'm a citizen of the world

NeoWanZaeed:
As if poor people no dey USA.


The only country I can discharge to is Saudi..

.end of story

And where did she point out that there is no poor people in USA

Kindly read her post again for better understanding.

Prost.

In capital letters=> EUROPE OR NOTHING

Nice post, although i take some of this with a pinch of salt as i believe that some of these may just be the experience of one person. But i get what you're trying to say.

Nice and explicitly explained.... Truth is Nigeria has lost it... It's not business friendly and for those who are not keen about hustling or who have made it in najja, it's still not security safe.... What a country...

collinsuchendu:
In capital letters=> EUROPE OR NOTHING

Europe get levels oh, all those eastern European countries like Hungary, Poland, Belarus etc na wash, in as much as i shared the op sentiment, a lot of people are still struggling in same UK.

sweetmelanin:
“Second Class Citizen”
The above phrase is a popular ‘jab’ that those in Nigeria use towards those abroad. They say “id rather live like a king in Nigeria than be treated like a second class citizen abroad”. However, I’d really like to question how realistic this statement is - aside from the very FEW wealthy folks in Nigeria, how many people actually live like ‘kings’? Is it leaving your house at 4-5am every morning to return home by 8-9pm at night due to nightmarish traffic? Or returning home to no electricity and the overbearing heat that comes along with that? Perhaps it is being harassed by blood thirsty, illiterate policemen and SARS officials... or the terrible customer service you experience in almost every bank, restaurant or public service area if you do not know anyone there or you are not someone considered to be worthy of basic human respect. What about tribalism which has consistently plagued the Nigerian society.

Don’t get me wrong, racism is a thing abroad – but it is also highly subjective and very subtle/minimal especially in this day and age of inter-culturalism in the western world. Now I can’t speak for all countries but the UK is a highly culturally diverse society – the Nigerian community here is HUGE. You can successfully live in most parts of the UK without ever coming to terms with the colour of your skin (ask those in London, Birmingham, Northampton, Nottingham, Manchester, Cambridge, Essex etc..). There are areas within London which you will only find Nigerians living there.. Racism in the UK is non-existent in some areas and covert/hidden in others – needless to say, you WILL get a job, a good one at that (if you are qualified). You will not be spat at or violently attacked because of your race, you will not experience weird stares (these people have been surrounded by blacks & Asians for years) we are used to seeing all shades of skin tones and you will blend in just fine ok!

I say all this to say that even if those abroad are treated as “second class citizens” (which is in itself not true).. better a second-class citizen in Heaven than a first class citizen in Hell.

Loneliness & Boredom
Another assumption made by many in Nigeria is that those abroad are living in loneliness – which is a subjective matter. The opposite of living a “boring life” is living a “fun-filled life” right? Fun in itself is a very subjective matter which is wholly dependent on the personality of the said individual. What many call ‘fun’ in Nigeria could be the parties/owambes, hanging out with friends and family or perhaps just the noise pollution and chaos on the streets which guarantee that everyday is filled with drama of some sort.

But what if, just what if, those things are not what tickles your fancy? What if you enjoy your privacy without having anyone in your business? What if you don’t like parties? What if you enjoy living in a sane climate? What if you enjoy the company of the few friends you DO have abroad? What if the hustle and bustle of living in Nigeria wears you out? Would you consider ‘home’ a happy place if you are an introvert? So my dear ‘abroadians’, before you start assuming that those in Nigeria are “having fun” stop and think twice. You may not necessarily enjoy the lifestyle over there (especially if you are someone who has spent a reasonable amount of years abroad). The lifestyle in Nigeria is of high stress NOT freedom or ‘fun’.

Bills, Mortgages and Finance
Many in Nigeria assume those abroad are laden with bills and rely heavily on finance (i.e. paying monthly for cars, houses etc). Now I can’t totally dispute that fact but I would like to correct the negative connotations associated with this. Firstly, not everyone abroad finances their cars, but most homeowners do take out mortgages on their property.

However, for those who do use finance, I don’t think it is a thing of shame to pay monthly to drive a modern luxury car that you love … neither do I think one should be ashamed to obtain a mortgage to purchase a lovely home to raise your family in – everything is subjective especially when you compare things to your counterparts in Nigeria who claim to have paid in full for their cars (which is in fact an old run down 1999 – 2004 model 'lexus' which is equivalent to a mere £2000 - £3000 cash).

They could also claim that their houses are “mortgage free” but will omit the fact that majority of Nigerians live in rented houses/apartments and those who own their homes have spent years building it – some spend their entire lifetime trying to complete a building project whilst living as tenants .. so in reality, how is this any better than paying mortgage for a few years? At least with a mortgage you get to live in that house you are paying for unlike those in Nigeria who do not get to live in their building projects until years later and they are nearing old age.

It is therefore a very regressive way of thinking when Nigerians look down on those abroad who take out finance when the lifestyle in Nigeria is quite appalling to say the least.

Menial Jobs
This is very much dependant on your circle of friends/associates and immigration status. However, in my experience, the Nigerians I see around me are doing exceptionally well abroad – we are Business Analysts, Engineers, Scientists, Senior Social Workers, Occupational Health Therapists, Project Managers, Accountants, Solicitors, Pharmacists etc.. meaningful careers that pay well. Some of us here are real hustlers, getting certified and working contract jobs that fetch up to £450 per day (ask those Project Managers, IT technicians and Business Analysts). Therefore, the myth of menial jobs is very much outdated and perhaps only applicable to students or new immigrants in their first 1 – 3 years.

Feel free to add your points.

i still get weird stares and people not willing to come close.

If you land in the States with age on your side and want to live a life of low debt (because debt is inevitable), then join the military and further whatever career you want after serving a few years or even further your career in it but you need to have sense otherwise you'll be discharged dishonorably.

An 0-4 officer in US military who earns 85-95k salary is better than a nurse who earns 100-120k. You won't understand this until you wanna live your dreams of buying a home. If you put all the discounts in things as little as gas bills, small as car insurance and big as home mortgage, you'll be proud to shout oorah.

Gideon97:
Nice post, although i take some of this with a pinch of salt as i believe that some of these may just be the experience of one person. But i get what you're trying to say.

Thanks a bunch..

This is why I made sure to emphasise the concept of subjectivity throughout my post...

I'm coming from the perspective of a second generation immigrant who has grown up and lived in the UK for 20 years and have watched this country evolve over the years into a very urban, vibrant and culturally diverse place. I've grown to love the lifestyle here and it feels more like home than Nigeria..

Needless to say, I am in my late twenties like a lot of young adults whose parents moved here in the 1990s and over the years, I've accumulated a large circle of friends comprising of those who are naturalised citizens just like me and others who were fresh from Nigeria to come study here and have now also settled into the system. So yeah, I understand not everyone can relate and this post might resonate more with those within the age bracket of 21 - 35 years.

I do go back to Nigeria every 1-2 years (Lagos to be precise) as I still have strong ties to my family back home.. so I'm in a position where I can compare the two lifestyles and choose what suits me best.

emperorsversion:
Nice and explicitly explained.... Truth is Nigeria has lost it... It's not business friendly and for those who are not keen about hustling or who have made it in najja, it's still not security safe.... What a country...

True..

In fact I was in Nigeria from end of November - January and boy, did I regret booking my ticket for so long! .. the situation of things are just too bad. Heat, mosquitoes, dust and filth everywhere.. there's literally no fresh air in Lagos. lack of jobs, frustration on everyone's face, the fact that NOTHING works, the overwhelming sense of discouragement and being stuck in a hopeless country... I was already exhausted by the end of week 2! Nigeria sucks and almost every young person I know wants to leave

My recent experience in naija is what prompted this thread as I need to remind those abroad of the realities in case people are getting those "no place like home" nostalgic feelings.

There's no hope for Nigeria anymore.. those who can leave should leave and those abroad should stay put.

True. I've made up my mind long time ago. Since I couldn't leave due to the nature of my job, my younger brother is leaving this damn country asap!

Thank you for this thread

NeoWanZaeed:
As if poor people no dey USA.


The only country I can discharge to is Saudi..

.end of story

Rubbish!

Saudis also have poor citizens.

jesmond3945:
i still get weird stares and people not willing to come close.

unbelievable in this day and age.

Which country? And where?

Lovely post.

Especially the taxation part. In abroad - developed countries to be precise. One's income is subject to taxation. I know we all hate deductions but, hey! You get value for your money, let me use Germany as an example, this are the benefits of you get if you are living legally and paying your taxes:

1. Free education - kindergarten to university
2. Top notch free health care service
3. Child support and benefits - €194 for each child monthly
4. State of the art infrastructures and facilities
5. Excellent security

and the list goes on.

In Nigeria reverse is the case, the taxes you pay are mismanaged and the culprits walking Scot free.

And the issue of being a second class citizen is just another bull shit. Am glad you have said enough regarding this.... And the rest are subjective.

Verdict; only the rich enjoy Nigeria, as for the ordinary Nigerian who is young and has the means? Move to a better country, you will thank yourself for it later.

The country is getting worse more like sinking ship.

themaestro08:
unbelievable in this day and age.

Which country? And where?

Uk na. Newcastle

NeoWanZaeed:
As if poor people no dey USA.


The only country I can discharge to is Saudi..

.end of story

mumu are there no poor people in Saudi? U wan compare Saudi to America ? U really no get sense

jesmond3945:
Uk na. Newcastle

If you can find a way move to big and multicultural cities like London, Manchester, Liverpool or York.

Not just in UK, most people in small cities are quite known for such behavior.

No one deserves to be discriminated just because of their skin color.

bligs:

Europe get levels oh, all those eastern European countries like Hungary, Poland, Belarus etc na wash, in as much as i shared the op sentiment, a lot of people are still struggling in same UK.

that's life for you. Because people are struggling there does it mean you too will go there to struggle? Or you should stay in Nigeria because there are poor Nigerians in the UK. Ask them why they are struggling, 90% is due to the problems they caused for themselves. Be wise

sweetmelanin:


True..

In fact I was in Nigeria from end of November - January and boy, did I regret booking my ticket for so long! .. the situation of things are just too bad. Heat, mosquitoes, dust and filth everywhere.. there's literally no fresh air in Lagos. lack of jobs, frustration on everyone's face, the fact that NOTHING works, the overwhelming sense of discouragement and being stuck in a hopeless country... I was already exhausted by the end of week 2! Nigeria sucks and almost every young person I know wants to leave

My recent experience in naija is what prompted this thread as I need to remind those abroad of the realities in case people are getting those "no place like home" nostalgic feelings.

There's no hope for Nigeria anymore.. those who can leave should leave and those abroad should stay put.

you would have gone to the east. lagos and ph is no go area for your piece of mind.

themaestro08:


If you can find a way move to big and multicultural cities like London, Manchester, Liverpool or York.

Not just in UK, most people in small cities are quite known for such behavior.

No one deserves to be discriminated just because of their skin color.

Newcastle is highly multicultural. unless moving to places where black are in large numbers.

What one may consider myth.... is reality for another. There is no guarantee of your personal standard of living abroad. Life is what you make it..... and that depends mainly on opportunities and your personal drive to achieve your goals. People who seek out and grab opportunities in Nigeria are likely to do the same abroad and are likely to be successful. No doubt... opportunities abound abroad but immigration status above all is the major hurdle that determines if one can latch on to them.
True... depends on your location... race can be a total non factor... and depending on location too.... you can very well be very much ehmmm.... living at home abroad.... in a community of people from your country. NYC is famous for that. But regardless.... wherever you are abroad... there is no free ride... you have to get up and get. Crashing by a friend or relative for months.... eating and sleeping and not financially contributing to the running of the home will not cut it... period. Mainly 2 weeks max... and the wel ome mat will be pulled... where you go is the least of their concern.
Personally.... your stay abroad is hinged on your immigration status.

KendrickAyomide:
that's life for you. Because people are struggling there does it mean you too will go there to struggle? Or you should stay in Nigeria because there are poor Nigerians in the UK. Ask them why they are struggling, 90% is due to the problems they caused for themselves. Be wise

With your logic, 90% of people struggling in Naija is as a result of their actions and inactions? My points is there is no place in the world that you won't find poor/rich people, with my little sojourn in life, have come across many typical white that can't spell their names talkless of writing it and yet these people ain't druggies, just that advanced countries poor people can still afford to buy all these McDonalds, KFC etc.
PS: There's a distinct difference between travelling and being successful.

KendrickAyomide:
that's life for you. Because people are struggling there does it mean you too will go there to struggle? Or you should stay in Nigeria because there are poor Nigerians in the UK. Ask them why they are struggling, 90% is due to the problems they caused for themselves. Be wise

True

Marcelo290:
What you wrote up there is simply your own experience. There are people in same UK who probably have bitter experiences.

Besides, you used the UK which has a large black community and a relatively good economy as your case study. What about other countries in Europe that are renowned for racism coupled with their struggling economy?

The most important point you made is simply that of sanity. The kind of stressful lifestyle we live here in Nigeria is why our life expectancy keeps fluctuating between 40-49 years.

In all, it is not easy anywhere. We also have people living large in same Nigeria. So Whether abroad or Nigeria, I have made the personal decision to give my kids a better life. You too should do same.

See our signature for quality services..

what are saying?

bligs:



.... with my little sojourn in life, have come across many typical white that can't spell their names talkless of writing it and yet these people ain't druggies,

Have you also come across many typical illiterate Blacks who ain't druggies? Do you realize the myth you are perpetuating? America's opioid crisis is in the White communities... most devastating in the smaller poorer ones. So why would you say they are not druggies?

KendrickAyomide:
that's life for you. Because people are struggling there does it mean you too will go there to struggle? Or you should stay in Nigeria because there are poor Nigerians in the UK. Ask them why they are struggling, 90% is due to the problems they caused for themselves.

You sure? Loads of qualified Nigerian graduates in low-paid jobs in the UK, bro. Many work in security, warehouse jobs, or drive cabs, and it's not really their fault. It's not as if they haven't applied for professional jobs. They just don't get called in for interview. But they are always looking to better their condition, so they tend to progress eventually. Many just save up and start their own business at some point, or retrain in some professional field with job guarantees, and do pretty well. You have guys who studied say civil engineering at uni, couldn't get jobs in the field after graduation, worked odd jobs, and then did a short course (with job guarantee) in book keeping, or IT support, or project management, and voilla! Life don change for dem..

[quote author=themaestro08 post=86613132]Lovely post.

Especially the taxation part. In abroad - developed countries to be precise. One's income is subject to taxation. I know we all hate deductions but, hey! You get value for your money, let me use Germany as an example, this are the benefits of you get if you are living legally and paying your taxes:

1. Free education - kindergarten to university
2. Top notch free health care service
3. Child support and benefits - €194 for each child monthly
4. State of the art infrastructures and facilities
5. Excellent security

and the list goes on.

In Nigeria reverse is the case, the taxes you pay are mismanaged and the culprits walking Scot free.

And the issue of being a second class citizen is just another bull shit. Am glad you have said enough regarding this.... And the rest are subjective.

Foolish country, a country where does whom they re using your task to pay there salary will still be the one killing you, stealing from you.
Common general Hospital, you will still pay
A country where Lebanese and China is still treating Nigeria workers as slaves.

Any Devil who say I will not travel to good European countries. Fall down and die
Die, die, die, die, die

Rossinky:


You sure? Loads of qualified Nigerian graduates in low-paid jobs in the UK, bro. Many work in security, warehouse jobs, or drive cabs, and it's not really their fault. It's not as if they haven't applied for professional jobs. They just don't get called in for interview. But they are always looking to better their condition, so they tend to progress eventually. Many just save up and start their own business at some point, or retrain in some professional field with job guarantees, and do pretty well. You have guys who studied say civil engineering at uni, couldn't get jobs in the field after graduation, worked odd jobs, and then did a short course (with job guarantee) in book keeping, or IT support, or project management, and voilla! Life don change for dem..

What of millions of jobless graduate in your country,
What of graduate earning 40k monthly
What graduate working as factory workers earning 50k 6am to 7pm non stop
( You mean if someone is doing this same work in Europe , he will still be earning 50k?)
Bros no let me vex for you.
Please if you get your better job in Nigeria, allow people wey no get go.
All I will say is , if you want to go abroad, make surely you go legally, through study or other means.

Useless country
China and Lebanese still treat us as slave in every factory
No security
Education fail
Getting job is connection. You must have 5years working experience, with msc and must be 23years of age.But they have already recruited people they want.
Nonsense