26/10/2025
Before You Japa, Just Remember…
Lately, it seems many people are planning to Japa. The WhatsApp groups are full of visa updates, IELTS scores, and farewell dinners. And honestly, I get it. The traffic alone can make a philosopher question the meaning of life. So yes, by all means, chase that dream abroad — better healthcare, better education, better WiFi. But while you’re planning your escape, let’s talk about something many people forget: THE RETURNJOURNEY.
Because here’s the thing — in most cases, your children will not come back “home.” They’ll grow up speaking with accents you didn’t pay for, arguing about which season of winter is “less děpressìng,” and asking why you keep unplugging the toaster. 😂
You’ll invite them to visit: “My dear, come and see where we grew up.” And they’ll say, “Dad, there’s no Uber there, and the mosquitoes are too aggressive. You’ll proudly tell them stories about how you used to trek five kilometers to school, and they’ll reply, “Wait… why didn’t Grandma just drive you?” 😅
Then one day, when you and your spouse are older and finally ready to “go back home,” you’ll realize that home has quietly changed. The neighbors are new, the roads are new, and all your old friends also “went back home”… to Toronto and Manchester. 😂
You’ll sit under a mango tree, sipping garri, reminiscing about the hustle — the first visa interview, the cold shock of your first winter, the long nights of starting over. And you’ll realize something profound: you didn’t just move countries; you moved generations.
Your children’s home might not be your homeland anymore. They’ll love you deeply but from afar, through WhatsApp video calls and family group chats filled with memes.
So yes, by all means, Japa — pursue the good life, grab opportunities, and build your peace. Just remember that when the journey circles back, it might just be you, your spouse, and a warm bowl of garri, laughing at how far you’ve come.
Because in the end, the greatest migration isn’t just about crossing borders — it’s about watching your story take root in places you once only saw on Google Maps.
I rest my case
