THE DAY SHE REALISED “JAPA” WAS MORE THAN JUST GETTING A VISA

For almost two years, Zainab had been saying the same thing to her friends: “I just want to leave Nigeria.” It wasn't that she hated home. She had a job. She had family around her. She was doing her best. But every month, she found herself asking the same question: “Is this really where I want to be five years from now?” So she started researching. Canada, The UK, Germany, Australia.

Almost every night after work, she would sit with her phone and search for opportunities. Study route, Work route, Scholarships, Skilled worker opportunities.

She saved posts, joined online communities, watched videos and wrote down every opportunity that looked promising. Then reality hit.THE MONEY. Application fees, English test, Tuition,Visa fees, Flight ticket, Accommodation, Proof of funds.

She calculated everything and just stared at the figure on her calculator.

“Where am I supposed to get this kind of money?”

For the first time, she almost gave up.

Then came another problem.

The more desperate she became, the more people started sending her “easy Japa” offers.

“Pay this amount and your visa is guaranteed.”

“Don't worry about the requirements.”

“We have people inside.”

Everything sounded convincing.

But Zainab decided not to rush, Instead, she started taking things one step at a time.

She improved her skill, Updated her CV.

Researched different relocation pathways.

Checked information from official sources.

Spoke to people who had actually gone through the process.

And most importantly, she started saving.

It wasn't easy.

There were months when she could barely save anything.

Sometimes she wondered if she was wasting her time.

People around her kept saying:

“Forget it. Japa isn't for everybody.”

But she kept going.

Eventually, she found an opportunity that actually matched her qualifications, plans and financial situation.

It wasn't the easiest route.

It wasn't the cheapest either.

But for the first time, her plan wasn't simply:

“I want to Japa.”

She could finally answer:

“Where am I going?”

“Why am I going?”

“How am I getting there?”

“And what am I going to do when I arrive?”

Months later, she finally boarded the plane.

As she sat by the window and watched Nigeria disappear beneath the clouds, she realised something:

Getting on that plane wasn't the biggest part of her journey.

The biggest part happened months earlier, when she stopped chasing the idea of simply leaving and started preparing for the life she wanted to build.

Now let's make this about YOU.

If you had a genuine opportunity to relocate tomorrow, which part would worry you the most?

A. Getting enough money

B. Visa and documentation

C. Finding a job

D. Finding accommodation

E. Leaving family and starting over

F. Honestly, I don't even know where to start

Drop your answer in the comments.

And if you're already planning your Japa journey, tell us:

WHAT STAGE ARE YOU CURRENTLY AT?

Join the Japa Terminal for more relocation discussions, opportunities and real-life experiences: https://www.ourpalaver.com