There’s been plenty of talk about Japa lately — whether to do it or not, whether it’s worth it or not. People are selling all their life possessions to Japa, only to start regretting later. Many find themselves stuck with minimal jobs, battling loneliness, sometimes facing racism.
Today, I want to share a moment that forced me to pause, reflect, and truly understand the weight of a choice we made 15 years ago.
I recently returned from a two-week trip to Nigeria to attend an important family emergency. Sadly, a relative passed away. Before her passing, she had breathing problems and was rushed to the hospital. They provided her with oxygen for breathing… but they quickly ran out.
Funds weren’t the issue — the issue was supply.
We battled hecter skelter for days trying to find oxygen. All efforts led to nothing, while her oxygen level kept dropping. On the third day, we finally found someone who could supply half a tank. It wasn’t enough. And it came too late.
A few hours later, we lost her. 💔
This was very painful. We never choose to question fate or ask God “why”… but deep inside, we knew — this might have been prevented if the right medical facilities were available.
Eventually, it was time for me to pack up and return back to base in Canada.
As I exited Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA) in Lagos, I tucked my green Nigerian passport back into its hiding place inside my inner pocket and brought out my blue Canadian passport.
From there, I transited across two European airports, flashing my blue passport with ease. The accord and treatment were smooth, seamless, and full of politeness.
When I touched down at Toronto Pearson International Airport, I flashed my blue passport again to the immigration officers. My entire interaction with them lasted less than one minute. I proceeded to pick up my bags — that took less than 10 minutes — and then I walked outside to meet my waiting Uber ride, who coincidentally was a fellow Nigerian.
He greeted me with a warm “Welcome back,” we exchanged light conversations, and within 30 minutes I was back home in the embrace and joy of my three kids and wife.
As I sat down, feeling the fresh air of being back to base, I closed my eyes for a second and murmured a quiet prayer.
🙏🏽 “Thank you Lord for journey mercies. But most importantly, thank you Lord for the privilege of this blue Canadian passport.”
I had just travelled across three continents with ease. That Japa journey we made 15 years ago is showing dividends in many ways — and it will continue to.
So to anyone out there thinking about Japa or not… do your research. Be sure. Be convicted.
Make a decision that 5, 10, 15 years from now, you and your family will look back on with pride and gratitude — not regret.
From Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
God bless. 🙏🏽