Japa Is Not an Achievement, Abeg!

Omo, make I gist you. My guy Tunde finally collect him visa after months of fasting, prayer, and small bribe for embassy wahala. The whole squad gather do send-off party like say na presidential inauguration. Airport pictures full everywhere, we dey shout, "Omo, you don make am!" Fast forward three months, bros call me one night, voice low. "Guy, e no easy o. Cold wan finish me, work no dey, and bills dey show me shege." I weak. So all the hype that day na just packaging?

These days, if you haven’t relocated, people look at you like you’re unserious. "You’re still here?" "Why haven’t you left?" "Omo, see your mates!" As if relocating is some grand achievement that automatically means success. But let’s think about it—Japa is not an achievement.

Yes, we understand why people leave. The economy is tough, security issues are real, and opportunities feel limited. No one is denying that Nigeria has challenges. If you get the opportunity to move, that’s fine. But let’s not act like relocation is the same as building a business, mastering a skill, or achieving something truly remarkable. Moving abroad is just a change of location, nothing more.

The reality is, after you Japa, what’s next? Many people don’t talk about the struggles of living abroad. Culture shock will hit you, loneliness will creep in, and before you know it, bills will remind you that abroad is not heaven. Some people succeed, no doubt. But many find themselves doing jobs they never imagined, just to survive.

There’s also this idea that life abroad is automatically better. But talk to those who have been overseas for years, and you’ll hear a different story. It’s mostly work, sleep, pay bills, repeat. Holidays don’t feel the same, and the close-knit community life that makes Nigeria special is missing. Meanwhile, back home, tech bros are cashing out, content creators are thriving, and businesses are booming. So, does success come from relocation, or from what you do with your opportunities?

And let’s be honest, if you Japa, don’t oppress others. Some people relocate and suddenly develop selective amnesia. They start talking down on those still in Nigeria, acting like they’ve unlocked the next level of life. Not everyone can or even wants to leave, and that’s okay. Life isn’t a competition. If you relocate, congrats. If you stay, congrats too. The real goal is to find peace and fulfillment wherever you are.

At the end of the day, Japa is not an achievement. It’s just a personal decision. Whether you stay or go, what matters is what you do with your life. So let’s stop overhyping it. No matter where you are, you’ll still have to face real life. If you choose to leave, do it for the right reasons, not because of pressure. If you stay, focus on growth and opportunities. Success is not about location—it’s about what you make of your life.