20+ years later
So I haven’t been back in Nigeria since I left when I was a little boy (7) and all I have to say is, wow. Did things actually get worse, or am I just remembering childhood through rose colored glasses?
Before we left, we lived in Abuja but my parents were from Imo state, so we would frequently visit our town/village until most of our family relocated elsewhere; some to Europe but mostly to the U.S. I remember crying my eyes out before the move because my mom told me I probably wouldn’t see my school friends again! Back then, I never understood why we were leaving because from my perspective as a kid, life seemed fine. I don’t remember electricity, roads/traffic, schools, etc. feeling like major issues. Or issues at all really.
Fast forward 20+ years, and now I’m back because my parents recently retired and we’ve finished building a new house here. Honestly, it feels like so much either hasn’t improved or has actively gone backwards. And this NEPA nonsense…I used to think solar was just some cool little QOL you could try but here it’s damn near a necessity. Also, did it get hotter??? I’ve lived in Texas for years, so I’m used to heat, but this feels different.
I really do want to come back more often but I’m also trying to figure out what I’ll be doing. And seeing a lot of the stories in this sub about insecurity, infrastructure, the day to day stress all makes me wonder. But there’s still something about being here that feels familiar in a way nowhere else does.
For those who stayed, what changed the most in your opinion?