“Life In Nigeria With Life In The UK Today, Is Like Comparing Life And Death”- Nigerian Man Who Relocated To The UK Yr 2008 For His Master’s Shares Reason Why He Never Came Back

As shared by Eke O. Ako on Facebook

I DIDN’T JAPA, BUT WOULD HAVE DONE SO TODAY!

I left Nigeria in September 2008, simply to further my education. The intent was never to live permanently in the UK. It was to obtain a Masters Degree in Engineering, and return to Nigeria to work in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Prior to my departure from Nigeria, I was a construction engineer for 8 years, but later combined it with running cement shops. Cement sales was the primary source of my earning, which I used to pay my school fees in the UK. Infact I bought my first car in 2003 in Nigeria, and equally bought Hiace buses that were in Abia Line and other places.

Life was not bad in Nigeria then, like it is today. A Pound exchanged for about N200, and I comfortably paid my fees from Nigeria, £12,500. It was never my intent to stay in the UK. Most of our school mates returned to Nigeria, because Nigeria still presented them with few opportunities.

Considering that my reason for going to the UK was to leave construction, and join the oil industry, I planned to stay back for at least 5 years, to gain experience, and then return to Nigeria. What happened was that the more I stayed, the worse Nigeria became. Returning to Nigeria now looks more like a swim against the tide.

There are several downsides to living in the UK, but comparing life in Nigeria with life in the UK today, is like comparing life and death.

Where do we start from? Clean air, water and gas piped into your home, free medical care, ease of getting jobs, security, value for human life, uninterrupted electricity supply, cheap food, multiple means of transportation, good road network, child benefits, unemployment benefits, and no one can owe you salary.

If you have the opportunity to leave, don’t think twice about it. You will be more useful to yourself and family if you leave. You may consider returning later, when you are sure that you are equipped to contribute to the society than you are now.

I left Nigeria on my terms, but I have no regrets that I did…there is no joy in poverty and insecurity. Have you asked yourself why our politicians relocate their families to the UK?

….many Nigerians here earn massive money too…

Source: Eke O. Ako | Facebook

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com