Damilola Oluwatoyinbo on Leaving Nigeria or Staying

Damilola Oluwatoyinbo on Leaving Nigeria or Staying

More than ever before, I have seen and heard about so many people leaving the country, Nigeria.

It’s as if a memo was sent across the land advising people to “up and go” and doubt it not, people are doing just that.

While training a corporate organization some weeks ago, I heard the story of a High Net worth Individual who made the decision to exit. His colleagues were shocked. He earns very well. He has an enviable package and he was living “the life” but alas, he had his eyes on other things.

I know someone who used to be a VERY STRONG ADVOCATE of Nigeria, its potential, rich resources and possibilities who has now relocated to another country.

I have friends who had great dreams of occupying key positions in the Nigerian government who have long traveled out and others who are making solid plans to do just that.

Don’t be surprised if some of your most loyal friends call you via WhatsApp sometime soon to let you know that they now live in Australia, South Africa, UK, USA or the new favorite, CANADA.

Before, it was the people who were struggling to survive who were rushing out. Now, even those who are well to do are securing papers and citizenships like teenagers buying JAMB forms. After all, some South American Islands have enticing offers that are accessible to those who have the funds for it.

You might even be plotting your own exit while reading this😂

Who knows?

Migration from any social system is normal but MASS migration is often an indication of DANGER. People migrate when there’s real or perceived danger.

Many people feel the Nigerian System is DANGEROUS to their lives and destinies.

That’s why both the rich and the poor are desperately seeking a way outta here.

This is more than a quest for money, recognition, fame or position. This is about SAFETY and SECURITY.

There are many reasons why people leave places: relationships, businesses, ministries and ventures.

But it’s usually one or more of these 3 reasons:

When there’s insecurity and the threat of danger.

When they no longer see their future in it.

When they see a greater promise of better returns in or from another place.

No matter how patriotic you are, I don’t think you can deny the fact that you’ve observed at least one of these reasons at some point in your experience or contemplation.

So, what are the implications of these?

Too many to mention in this post.

Should you “jet out” too?

It really depends on you and what you perceive your Maker has called you to do.

I don’t hold the keys to your destiny and I might not be in the best position to make recommendations. However, I have a few thoughts that could help:

If you're leaving Nigeria

• Ensure you’re not only riding on passion and frustration.
• Seek God’s face to ensure you’re in line with His will.
• Exit Nigeria and enter that country of your dreams legally so that you don’t become trapped in it and you can be free to travel to other places at any time you wish.
• Be very strategic and intentional with your preparation process.
• Keep your ties and some investments in Nigeria.
• Get wise and trusted advisers and mentors you can reach out to for advice, prayers, perspective, and encouragement from time to time.

If you decide to stay in Nigeria

I can’t go into the detailed analysis of my proposition but if you’re a student of social transformation, you’ll understand what I mean.

• Know what YOU’RE doing. Who are you investing in?
• Seek God’s face to endure you’re not suffering in the name of solidarity.
• Build microsystems and leverage macrosystems.
• Invest in people.
• Fix your finances.
• Pray, fast and get closer to God.

With these in mind, I hope I’ve offered some helpful insights whichever way you choose, to stay or to leave.

They’ll be living out Adele’s “Hello from the other side”😂

Do it from a place of personal conviction and not just peer or social pressure.

What’s good for one may be disastrous for another.

If those are your primary or only drivers, you and your potential will become caged by the relative comfort you’ll have when you get to another country.

He knows the past, present, and future and can tell you exactly what to do, where, when and how. Be sensitive to His instructions. He may give you instructions that aren’t in line with your preferences.

Consult those who have gone ahead and let them give you the details of their own transition experiences so that you don’t get shocked by the realities you may have to handle.

Things can still turn for the better and it can happen much faster than we even project. Don’t cut your friends and family in Nigeria off. You may need them more than you think and they may need you too.

Face this reality:

Based on historical facts, trends, raw data, the attitudes of the general populace, the drama surrounding the outcomes of the last election, and the pervasive bureaucratic impediments, there MIGHT not be any LANDSLIDE/WIDESPREAD transformation for another 12 years. This is not pessimism. Do notice my use of MIGHT.

You can’t afford to “float”, “fantasize” or drift around with false hope.

What are you doing?

What are you working on?

What are you building?

Why are you investing?

What sectors are you considering?

What’s your end game?

Are you called to Nigeria or to a space in it? If so, what are the details of that assignment? How long is it? Lifelong or seasonal?

You can’t leave your life to the mercies of an ecosystem that’s struggling to support itself. Some aspects of the Nigerian system are functional but most are dysfunctional. How can you create microsystems with the goal of expanding them to benefit others?

Pour into people. Build teams. Volunteer for value-adding programs and projects.

Nigeria is made up of people. You don’t change nations. You influence people who then change their nation together. Click to tweet.

Remember that you’re your own “local government” and you need money to do all the things you need to do. Invest in learning how to make your money work in Nigeria. 

Know the right skills to acquire. Don’t waste time gathering certificates that have nothing to do with the course of your life. One major skill you need is NETWORKING.

You’re living in a system that can rubbish the best of people. Without God’s backing, your best plans may still be endangered.

Let me know your thoughts and be sure to SHARE this.