G’morning folks! Hope you had a happy weekend. I’m extra excited to share with Giist’s brand new column titled Moving to Nigeria! The columnist behind it is a good friend, Chibz, who will tackle the things we WISH we’d known before joyfully packing our loads and making our way to this very interesting country called Nigeria. More after the jump.
It’s been two years and some change before I moved to Nigeria and to say that its been a roller-coaster ride would be an understatement. Whether you 1) haven’t moved yet, and are still toying with the idea of it, 2) moved and have been here for a little while, or 3) moved, spent time and ran back, this column is for you. It’s going to be filled with information, experiences, interviews and much more to showcase the range of experiences related to moving to Nigeria. Here’s a couple words from Chibz, our new columnist:
Hello everyone and welcome to Moving to Nigeria; a lot of good awaits you here.
I’ll start by giving introducing myself and a short overview of what the column will be about. My name is Chibz and I moved to Nigeria in 2009. Born and raised in NJ, USA, I’d never lived in Nigeria before but always knew I wanted to one day. In August 2009, I made the decision to relocate home and moved with my 1½ year old son. It has been three years of highs and lows ever since!
Despite all the bad publicity Nigeria gets – greed, corruption, terrible stories of death and neglect – there is a group of individuals who were born and/or raised out West and have ties in Nigeria and are slowly making their way back, (or to), for a number of reasons. My column will showcase that group. What you’ll read in Moving to Nigeria is undeniably different. Let me be frank with you, moving back to Nigeria is not at all simple. The risks are high and the urge to return to a ‘functional and working society’ easily sneaks in the mind, sometimes everyday. The challenges of living in a developing country are real. But, the rewards are also just as real and available.
The focal point of this column is dual. First is to create a platform for the returnees to unite and express openly their achievements and fears, experiences and lessons learned. I’ll do that via interviews and taped discussions. Secondly, the column is to serve as a source of real “I-wish-I-knew-this-before-I-moved” advice for those considering returning home. Let the experiences of myself and others serve as a guide. Feel free to send whatever questions you want answered, or insights shared to me at team @ giist dot com.
Overall, what you can expect to find in this column is open and honest discussion to inform and inspire you. I hope you’ll enjoy every piece!
– Chibz
4 Comments
Loved the article. This will be my food for thought.
I am very much looking foward to follow this column Chibz! I’m not from Nigeria but ofcourse considering my move back to Mamaland — and i totally believe the challenges and the “highs”are the same accross the board when making that transition from a first world country to a developing country. We look foward to your contribution 😉
This is quite good actually.Looking forward to all the stories.
Hmm… This is very much needed Chibz. Good work guys!