Life in Nigeria is tough. Time to relocate?

In recent times, we have been faced with a myriad of challenging situations that have raised fresh questions about our future as Nigerians. There is the hike in exchange rate, fuel scarcity, and corresponding queues and traffic, to name a few issues that make life unbearable.

These uncomfortable situations will often lead one to question, if relocating out of Nigeria could be the solution to dealing with the current economic adversity? This, turned out to be the topic of discussion on "Sharing Life Issues", last night.

GRACE has been married ten years, and just had a discussion with her husband who thinks he will have better opportunities outside Nigeria, partly because he is a bit frustrated with not being able to secure a new job here.

Paul got a two - year US Visa on a platter, with his sister's help. A Visa which remains unused till date and expires in two weeks. But, uncertainties and the need to be physically available for his wife and children, stopped him from making the trip.

And then there was 'remarkable Tosin' who at twenty - one, owns a thriving cosmetic business, as a student, from which she pays her way through school and relies less on her parents for financial support. She mentions how she daily "confesses positively" on her business and is very optimistic things will improve for her.

My thoughts

The mitigating factors at play here surround (but are not limited to)

• Fear of the unknown, 
• Search for "greener pastures", 
• The need for a better life, for family and self.

In my conversations, it has been realized that certain people planning to relocate either;

• do not have a plan. 
• have nothing on the other end waiting for them (unlike the case of Joseph's family in the bible - Gen 47:11). 
• have no ready template.

Some who would readily start a business would rather photocopy an original script, than develop one themselves. Most feel safer working for already established companies, than become entrepreneurs themselves.

During my last visit to Dubai, in February, I was fortunate enough to experience rain from cloud seeding. At a time which was unusual for any sort of rainfall during the year. They did not leave their country in search of "greener pastures", they found a way to literally make it rain.

Why do we prefer 'hand-me-downs', when we can make conscious effort to turn our situation around for the better? You find someone whose gutter is clogged, complaining bitterly about how "the government is bad", when all it would take is a little sanitary effort from you, to make life easier.

"Often, the only thing holding you back is the belief that something is holding you back. Learn to get out of your own way"

We need to take personal responsibility for whatever situation in life we are faced with. That way, you will be amazed at the fountain of ideas that will flow through. Ideas rule the world my friend.

Finally, pray. It still works wonders. And you will draw strength from having that interaction with Him who understands the situation a lot better than you do.

Tough times do not last, but tough people do.

Love,

Val