Finding the Path to Success at Home: Chimezie’s Story

” Not everyone will thrive outside the country. I am not enthusiastic about staying abroad because I’m not comfortable with working for someone. I choose to own a business and I prefer Nigeria generally”. – Chimezie

In present times, young people’s definition of being successful in Nigeria is relocating to a foreign country. They are not to be blamed; the situation of the country seems to hold no future for the average Nigerian youth. You might even believe the same.

However, a lot of young people who had the opportunity to live and work in a foreign country have recently decided on their own to relocate back to Nigeria.  Chimezie, who is numbered among those who have returned, shared his thoughts on what drew him home in an interview.

Chimezie first shared how he is passionate about doing things differently and creating value on his own. He notes how disabling the country can be for people like him but all it takes is the zeal to not give up. He found success in continuing to try despite facing difficulty.

According to him, the major problem of Nigeria is the economic insecurity in the country. Apart from that, Nigeria is a country where tax, utilities and labour are cheap, enabling small start ups to thrive – unlike foreign countries where things might be more expensive. Starting up a business in a foreign country is capital intensive. Living in a foreign country also requires that you work very hard to survive. Chimezie elaborates, “I have spent a good number of years abroad and I know how hard it is to ‘find your foot’  let alone achieve the kind of success everyone dreams about.”

Despite popular belief among Nigerian youth, Chimezie explained that not everyone thrives outside the country. “I am not enthusiastic about staying abroad because I’m not comfortable working for someone else. I choose to own a business and I prefer Nigeria generally.”

“Staying in Nigeria requires that you build relationships and connections with people, be smart, and create exclusivity and consistency in whatever niche you get into. This is not quite easy but it’s not difficult to do either. This got me to the place I found myself presently.”

“Also, being successful in Nigeria requires that we try not to prove things to anyone. We try not to get into competition with anyone especially with the picture of success portrayed in social media. We try to build our life at our own pace.”

“One peculiar thing everyone who lives in Nigeria enjoys is the support of family and friends… This can make a huge difference in a person’s life.  You wont get it anywhere other than home.”

“Anyway, I’m still on my path to success. I haven’t gotten there yet.”

Do you feel similarly to Chimezie? Are you looking to relocate to Nigeria after living abroad? Let Brighter Futures know why you prefer to stay in Nigeria by messaging us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube!

Authors: Joy Ugwu and Vera Onyetube; Special thanks to Chimezie whose name has been changed to protect his anonymity.