NewStats: 3,264,082 , 8,182,540 topics. Date: Monday, 09 June 2025 at 03:24 PM o64f

I’ve always been that person who says, “Naija till I die!” I grew up here, spent my whole life here, and I love this place like it’s part of my DNA. The food, the culture, the vibe—there’s just nothing like it. Even when my friends left for “greener pastures,” I was here, holding down the fort. “Who will remain to fix Naija if we all run away?” I’d joke.

But last month, my patriotism met its match.

It all started on a Monday morning—the kind that already feels like it’s out to get you before it even begins. I had a big presentation that day, one that could finally lead to a promotion. I got up extra early, suit pressed, slides perfected, and was out the door, determined to make a great impression.

Then NEPA happened. Halfway through my morning routine, the lights went out. No electricity. “No wahala,” I thought, scrambling to find my power bank for my phone and a flashlight to finish getting ready. I wasn’t going to let a little thing like no power stop me, right?

As I headed out, I noticed the fuel gauge blinking “empty.” Just my luck. I made a quick detour to the petrol station, only to be greeted by a line that looked like half of Lagos was there. An hour later, I was still in that line, watching the time tick by as my promotion dreams started slipping out of reach. But I finally got fuel, threw a thank you to the attendant, and sped off, hoping to make up for lost time.

And then I hit the traffic. Not today, please, I thought, gripping the steering wheel, whispering every “I cast and bind” prayer I knew. But Lagos traffic doesn’t answer prayers—it just swallows time, no matter how hard you beg.

I was almost at the office when I got stopped. You guessed it—police checkpoint. The officer took his sweet time inspecting my documents, dropping hints about “something for the weekend,” and I watched the last precious minutes melt away. By the time he finally waved me off, I’d missed my meeting.

When I finally got to the office, my boss didn’t even let me explain. She just gave me the look, that one that says, You had one job. I knew then that any hope for that promotion was gone.

That was it. I was drained, frustrated, and completely over it. It was like the universe was telling me, “Oga, it’s time to go.”

I don’t want to leave Naija; I really don’t. But sometimes, loving this place feels like being in a relationship with someone who just can’t get it together. You see the potential, the charm, the good heart underneath, but there’s always something—always some last-minute obstacle, some hidden clause that makes it so hard.

So yeah, I have a ‘japa’ plan now. I still love this place, and I always will. But maybe I need to love it from afar, with a little less “NEPA wahala” and a bit more stability. It’s a bittersweet plan, but hey, maybe one day I’ll come back, and Nigeria will be ready to meet me halfway.

Until then, my ‘japa’ plan is officially on standby. Because as much as I love this place, sometimes love just isn’t enough.

We are in the same boat..
The funny part is, all my friends that have Japa'd while I was reiterating my love for the fatherland now mock me almost on a daily basis.

To make matter worse, I could conveniently relocate my family then, but now the cost of relocating myself gan don my head...

Inflation has eroded all the gains saved..
I am tired.

I've always said it; the easiest way you can have peace and keep your blood pressure in checks is to give up on Nigeria. If Nigeria gets better having given up on her, It's better. But hoping on her while you don't see sign of Nigeria getting better, that's where the danger lies to you and your health.


What goes bad yesterday is different from what will go bad tomorrow - It's from one thing going bad to another every minute.

We don't have the national resolve to do the right thing; it's always about the individual interest or personal gains. No national value.

Everyone want to get into the system to get their own share and leave every other person to suffer.

Look at the power situation that led to you missing promotional exam. It's an every day thing. Then grid collapsed and everywhere went dark.

They said there's an attack on transmission lines and 16 states in the north are without electricity for the past 9 days, we have not addressed that issue. We don't have any alternative to fall back on when situation goes out of plans. If we can't manage this kind of man-made situation, what do you think would be the situation if nature had put us in any space prone to earthquakes or natural disaster.

We're not prepared for anything, not even a pandemic. We're only ready to ready to steal and destroy.
It's a sad situation. As a Nigerian, I feel like a man whose only child is not doing well in life. It's constant sadness.

We're a confused nation.

I can hear the soil of Nigeria crying please don't leave me

RealLordZeus:
We are in the same boat..
The funny part is, all my friends that have Japa'd while I was reiterating my love for the fatherland now mock me almost on a daily basis.
.

You need to re-evaluate your circle of friendship if this is what your friends do. They are in an unhealthy competition with you and they have shown you the sign by mocking you but you think it is a joke. It is not. This is a sign of toxic relationship



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ukKf4vi6g

Life is where we live at the moment and you should always pray for the Good Lord's favors wherever you are. You sound like someone who has traveled out, please do not compete with insecure people. Live your own life at its own time, it tomorrow, things change, live it and enjoy it but don't live a life of regret saying, "had I known". One thing I have learned on this earth is that, there is nothing special. I know it sounds crazy but we will always be unsatisfied and you can never find that satisfaction in man because they will always complain, compare and compete with you, hoping that YOU are unhappy where you are, with who you are and what you are.

Seek greener pastures but never be desperate. Anxiety is caused by us looking towards the future we don't live in yet, depression is caused by thinking too much about the past and what we can do in the future. You cannot control both past and present, so spend every moment of your life ENJOYING THE PRESENT. Take the gift of the PRESENT, NOW!!!

trium:


You need to re-evaluate your circle of friendship if this is what your friends do. They are in an unhealthy competition with you and they have shown you the sign by mocking you but you think it is a joke. It is not. This is a sign of toxic relationship



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ukKf4vi6g

Life is where we live at the moment and you should always pray for the Good Lord's favors wherever you are. You sound like someone who has traveled out, please do not compete with insecure people. Live your own life at its own time, it tomorrow, things change, live it and enjoy it but don't live a life of regret saying, "had I known".

Thanks for the advice but all i read into it was normal guy to guy banter

RealLordZeus:
We are in the same boat..
The funny part is, all my friends that have Japa'd while I was reiterating my love for the fatherland now mock me almost on a daily basis.

To make matter worse, I could conveniently relocate my family then, but now the cost of relocating myself gan don my head...

Inflation has eroded all the gains saved..
I am tired.

2022-2023 with 11m you can travel to the UK to study with your family of 3

2024 16-17m should be your budget if your wanna travel to study in the UK alone


Congratulations to does who left from 2020-2023
Not like they knew what was going to happen...but they we're just lucky


And people who taught its the end of the movement for them now because of the xchage rate crisis.. I pray God find dem favour

RealLordZeus:

Thanks for the advice but all i read into it was normal guy to guy banter

I hear you and I don't want to poison your mind but let me ask you a question, have you come in with a Nigerian-born lad who grew up in UK or US and came back as an adult, or even if they are abroad, they start yapping Nigeria

You see the maturity in how they view life. Even though they grew up privileged and richer than Nigerians, due to their economy, they don't compare. They seek to understand and respect you. At least, majority of them. A Nigerian who japa should know better than those naiive IJGB. That is what made me reply you but I may be going overboard in my reaction too. One thing I know about Nigerians is that while it is a good thing we aspire and compete, there is an unhealthy rivalry where we don't understand that people have time for everything. Something like God's time is the best? We want people to be in our own image instead of letting them go through life in their own process, problems and solutions.

I know those who have gone and come back, some will stay there forever but what I know is what everyone wants is different and until we taste the other side, we take the little things right in front of us for granted. I want friends who are happy for me, wherever I am even though it's not what they thought. My friends should be a form of and not remind me of pain but 'what can we do now?' And if you can't help, then don't stress. Again, I have learned that the way comedians tell the truth with a joke is how people tell us the truth with jokes too. Don't stand up to their comedy

Have a blessed relationship. Amen.

Nigeria is the only country to bet against and you'll alway win

Loving Nigeria is like being in an abusive relationship. In a love hate romance... better leave/ walkaway to maintain your sanity

No reason to leave Naija o.
The patient dog eats the fattest bone when hunger kill am
As e be T-Pain's emilokan today, e fit be your own turn tomorrow.

Beekeeper1:
I’ve always been that person who says, “Naija till I die!” I grew up here, spent my whole life here, and I love this place like it’s part of my DNA. The food, the culture, the vibe—there’s just nothing like it. Even when my friends left for “greener pastures,” I was here, holding down the fort. “Who will remain to fix Naija if we all run away?” I’d joke.

But last month, my patriotism met its match.

It all started on a Monday morning—the kind that already feels like it’s out to get you before it even begins. I had a big presentation that day, one that could finally lead to a promotion. I got up extra early, suit pressed, slides perfected, and was out the door, determined to make a great impression.

Then NEPA happened. Halfway through my morning routine, the lights went out. No electricity. “No wahala,” I thought, scrambling to find my power bank for my phone and a flashlight to finish getting ready. I wasn’t going to let a little thing like no power stop me, right?

As I headed out, I noticed the fuel gauge blinking “empty.” Just my luck. I made a quick detour to the petrol station, only to be greeted by a line that looked like half of Lagos was there. An hour later, I was still in that line, watching the time tick by as my promotion dreams started slipping out of reach. But I finally got fuel, threw a thank you to the attendant, and sped off, hoping to make up for lost time.

And then I hit the traffic. Not today, please, I thought, gripping the steering wheel, whispering every “I cast and bind” prayer I knew. But Lagos traffic doesn’t answer prayers—it just swallows time, no matter how hard you beg.

I was almost at the office when I got stopped. You guessed it—police checkpoint. The officer took his sweet time inspecting my documents, dropping hints about “something for the weekend,” and I watched the last precious minutes melt away. By the time he finally waved me off, I’d missed my meeting.

When I finally got to the office, my boss didn’t even let me explain. She just gave me the look, that one that says, You had one job. I knew then that any hope for that promotion was gone.

That was it. I was drained, frustrated, and completely over it. It was like the universe was telling me, “Oga, it’s time to go.”

I don’t want to leave Naija; I really don’t. But sometimes, loving this place feels like being in a relationship with someone who just can’t get it together. You see the potential, the charm, the good heart underneath, but there’s always something—always some last-minute obstacle, some hidden clause that makes it so hard.

So yeah, I have a ‘japa’ plan now. I still love this place, and I always will. But maybe I need to love it from afar, with a little less “NEPA wahala” and a bit more stability. It’s a bittersweet plan, but hey, maybe one day I’ll come back, and Nigeria will be ready to meet me halfway.

Until then, my ‘japa’ plan is officially on standby. Because as much as I love this place, sometimes love just isn’t enough.

Better to love naija from abroad as it it now....

Beekeeper1:
I’ve always been that person who says, “Naija till I die!” I grew up here, spent my whole life here, and I love this place like it’s part of my DNA. The food, the culture, the vibe—there’s just nothing like it. Even when my friends left for “greener pastures,” I was here, holding down the fort. “Who will remain to fix Naija if we all run away?” I’d joke.

But last month, my patriotism met its match.

It all started on a Monday morning—the kind that already feels like it’s out to get you before it even begins. I had a big presentation that day, one that could finally lead to a promotion. I got up extra early, suit pressed, slides perfected, and was out the door, determined to make a great impression.

Then NEPA happened. Halfway through my morning routine, the lights went out. No electricity. “No wahala,” I thought, scrambling to find my power bank for my phone and a flashlight to finish getting ready. I wasn’t going to let a little thing like no power stop me, right?

As I headed out, I noticed the fuel gauge blinking “empty.” Just my luck. I made a quick detour to the petrol station, only to be greeted by a line that looked like half of Lagos was there. An hour later, I was still in that line, watching the time tick by as my promotion dreams started slipping out of reach. But I finally got fuel, threw a thank you to the attendant, and sped off, hoping to make up for lost time.

And then I hit the traffic. Not today, please, I thought, gripping the steering wheel, whispering every “I cast and bind” prayer I knew. But Lagos traffic doesn’t answer prayers—it just swallows time, no matter how hard you beg.

I was almost at the office when I got stopped. You guessed it—police checkpoint. The officer took his sweet time inspecting my documents, dropping hints about “something for the weekend,” and I watched the last precious minutes melt away. By the time he finally waved me off, I’d missed my meeting.

When I finally got to the office, my boss didn’t even let me explain. She just gave me the look, that one that says, You had one job. I knew then that any hope for that promotion was gone.

That was it. I was drained, frustrated, and completely over it. It was like the universe was telling me, “Oga, it’s time to go.”

I don’t want to leave Naija; I really don’t. But sometimes, loving this place feels like being in a relationship with someone who just can’t get it together. You see the potential, the charm, the good heart underneath, but there’s always something—always some last-minute obstacle, some hidden clause that makes it so hard.

So yeah, I have a ‘japa’ plan now. I still love this place, and I always will. But maybe I need to love it from afar, with a little less “NEPA wahala” and a bit more stability. It’s a bittersweet plan, but hey, maybe one day I’ll come back, and Nigeria will be ready to meet me halfway.

Until then, my ‘japa’ plan is officially on standby. Because as much as I love this place, sometimes love just isn’t enough.

There are worse things than this befalling souls in this nation daily. Do what you may...but always know that Nigeria is but "a mere geopolitical expression."

sorry about the promotion missed.. but in case of next time, while u are still in Nigeria, d mistake made on that day was queing to buy fuel knowing fully well it was a long queue.. u prolly should have take a cab or even jump bus.

Also, don't also make the mistake of moving from frying pan to fire.. yes frying pan is hot and unpalatable but then look at how much worse fire is...
Despite the situation, pple need to evaluate (not just in money but racism, relationship, family,culture, weather) if indeed out there is better for them!!

Beekeeper1:
I’ve always been that person who says, “Naija till I die!” I grew up here, spent my whole life here, and I love this place like it’s part of my DNA. The food, the culture, the vibe—there’s just nothing like it. Even when my friends left for “greener pastures,” I was here, holding down the fort. “Who will remain to fix Naija if we all run away?” I’d joke.

But last month, my patriotism met its match.

It all started on a Monday morning—the kind that already feels like it’s out to get you before it even begins. I had a big presentation that day, one that could finally lead to a promotion. I got up extra early, suit pressed, slides perfected, and was out the door, determined to make a great impression.

Then NEPA happened. Halfway through my morning routine, the lights went out. No electricity. “No wahala,” I thought, scrambling to find my power bank for my phone and a flashlight to finish getting ready. I wasn’t going to let a little thing like no power stop me, right?

As I headed out, I noticed the fuel gauge blinking “empty.” Just my luck. I made a quick detour to the petrol station, only to be greeted by a line that looked like half of Lagos was there. An hour later, I was still in that line, watching the time tick by as my promotion dreams started slipping out of reach. But I finally got fuel, threw a thank you to the attendant, and sped off, hoping to make up for lost time.

And then I hit the traffic. Not today, please, I thought, gripping the steering wheel, whispering every “I cast and bind” prayer I knew. But Lagos traffic doesn’t answer prayers—it just swallows time, no matter how hard you beg.

I was almost at the office when I got stopped. You guessed it—police checkpoint. The officer took his sweet time inspecting my documents, dropping hints about “something for the weekend,” and I watched the last precious minutes melt away. By the time he finally waved me off, I’d missed my meeting.

When I finally got to the office, my boss didn’t even let me explain. She just gave me the look, that one that says, You had one job. I knew then that any hope for that promotion was gone.

That was it. I was drained, frustrated, and completely over it. It was like the universe was telling me, “Oga, it’s time to go.”

I don’t want to leave Naija; I really don’t. But sometimes, loving this place feels like being in a relationship with someone who just can’t get it together. You see the potential, the charm, the good heart underneath, but there’s always something—always some last-minute obstacle, some hidden clause that makes it so hard.

So yeah, I have a ‘japa’ plan now. I still love this place, and I always will. But maybe I need to love it from afar, with a little less “NEPA wahala” and a bit more stability. It’s a bittersweet plan, but hey, maybe one day I’ll come back, and Nigeria will be ready to meet me halfway.

Until then, my ‘japa’ plan is officially on standby. Because as much as I love this place, sometimes love just isn’t enough.

Japaaaaa oOoOO

I believe you didn't plan well enough for your presentation. Especially, that time you spent on fuel queue should have been avoided completely by filling your tank the day before. When you stay in Nigeria you must always have a contingency plan even more importantly if you live and work in Lagos.

The truth is that in Naija, your destiny is not fully in your hands, that's for a fact. When you japa you'd definitely regret all the years you wasted staying back. Naija is home and no where like home; only sweet for balling and reunion and that's it.

I reading some years ago.
.
It's better to love naija from afar

I am not asking you not to japa o or not to have a japa plan. I don't like the country either and I don't see the country getting better anytime soon.

But if you are a serious person and if you really need the promotion as much as you typed it here, you wld have looked for aboki to buy black market from. Those aboki guys are always around all filling stations, especially when there are long queues. You are not a serious person if you get to any part of the world things will still not work for you if you are not smart.

Staying on the long queue while the clock ticks away wasn't a smart move. Except this your story na big lie.....

Jesus Christ the always Truth and the Life

Lol.

FYI you don’t love Nigeria more than those who left before you. They just had more foresight

Before now, people saved money to japa. Later, people started selling landed property plus savings to japa. Now, people sell land, house plus their savings to japa with their family.

Very soon, selling one house will not be enough for you to japa (especially with your family).

In fact, in the nearest future, selling all your property wouldn't take you anywhere in the name of japa. Japa would then become exclusively for the elites/politicians. By then, we (the commoners) would all be trapped in the country, with no hope of seeking greener pastures.

This is a fake story created to promote a rubbish product through the medium of exaggerating the ills we face in this country. Rubbish.

Sigh... All this long epistle just to tell us you are tired of Loving abi Living in Naija!

Guy abeg!

Anybody wey Naija don taya should do either of the following:

1. Shut the fvck up and manage the system since Japa money no dey.
2. Shut the fvck up and LEAVE once the Japa money dey.

Either way... Make we hear word abeg!


Japa and Anti-japa talks are seriously getting old!


The main people claiming to be patriotic and believing in Naija are either outside the nation or have the means to be outside the nation once shit really hit the fan.

Ok

BigDawsNet:


2022-2023 with 11m you can travel to the UK to study with your family of 3

2024 16-17m should be your budget if your wanna travel to study in the UK alone

Congratulations to does who left from 2020-2023
Not like they knew what was going to happen...but they we're just lucky


And people who taught its the end of the movement for them now because of the xchage rate crisis.. I pray God find dem favour

Just only UK tuition fees of £15,000 is over N35m, so I don't know where you got your total budget of 16m-17m from!

Lolz ...true love does not run away in crisis
True love stays
True love endures pain
True love endures T-Pain

RealEmilokan:
I believe you didn't plan well enough for your presentation. Especially, that time you spent on fuel queue should have been avoided completely by filling your tank the day before. When you stay in Nigeria you must always have a contingency plan even more importantly if you live and work in Lagos.

The truth is that in Naija, your destiny is not fully in your hands, that's for a fact. When you japa you'd definitely regret all the years you wasted staying back. Naija is home and no where like home; only sweet for balling and reunion and that's it.

There is definitely room for improvement in his planning, but the number of hours he spent on the road tells you he left home way ahead of time for the presentation

Abi you want him to sleep at the office the previous night?

More people giving up on a daily.

No be small thing ooooo