Journey Home
Herein lies the journey of a thousand miles — the journey to the place that shaped me into the woman I am today. The journey that reminded me of my ancestral culture, my modest beginnings, and the humbling fact that I am equally human like everyone. And here’s my journey back home, to my heart.
My First Disappointment
It was earlier this year, and I had made an effort to return to my home country. Though, due to the dreadful pandemic that was ravaging the world and the ensuing lockdown, I was forced to shift my plans to a more suitable time, at least till the crisis dwindles a bit. Thus, time passed, and I moved on with life.
It was around June 2020, and other circumstances prompted me to leave for Nigeria. I planned for the trip without needless hesitation, stuffed my clothes in my bag, and hurried to the airport. Unfortunately, officials at the airport notified me that airspace in Nigeria was locked due to the lockdown, and a ticket from Amsterdam to Nigeria was unavailable. That was a disappointment, and dare I say, a stumbling block!
Reasons Why I Longed For Home
I had always been fascinated with the idea of making music since childhood. I’m gifted with musical abilities, and I loved the mere thought of harmonizing with the tunes that inspired me. That was one reason I chose to go back to Nigeria to feel the drive of singing enthusiastically, working my vocal cords in unison with pure melody. Part of me also longed to be reunited with my family in these paralytic times. However, my main goal for returning to Nigeria was for a more significant cause, one that fills me with joy. It’s more like a personal project: Produced in Nigeria, a business investment I am working on.
The official website is www.producedinnigeria.com, and it’s an online marketplace for Nigerian diaspora worldwide, allowing them to buy Nigerian-made products. The project is slated to launch in July 2021 and it brings me joy to see how fellow Nigerians and even people from all over the world are embracing the initiative. Nigerian youngsters often complain about their Uncles and Aunts staying outside the country gifting them ridiculous souvenirs such as gummy bears when they come to Nigeria. With Produced In Nigeria, uncles and aunts can finally purchase valuable gifts at an affordable rate for their nephews and nieces.
Childhood
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Journeying the Second Time
I wouldn’t let my setback draw me back from leaving for Nigeria. I wish I’d stumble, but the scorching flames in my heart proved more significant tahan my lapses. Hence, this time I had to plan things right; I took my time.
Fortunately, I was schooled on how to plan my arrivals to Nigeria the right way from a colleague. Her advice proved useful and made me glad. But I resolved not to tell anyone about my coming to Nigeria, including my Prince Noah Abiola. So, I attempted to leave a second time for Nigeria on July 11. I was prepared to make it a surprise visit, and, frankly, the thought of it brought delight to my heart. I missed home! I originally hail from Nigeria, but I’m a dual citizen of Canada.
So, I initially took an airplane from Toronto to Montreal, and from there, I would be scheduled for a direct flight to Cotonou. On getting to Montreal, however, I was shocked at the desertedness of the whole place. Police officials roved in groups taking short trips around the concourse. Central posts were shut, contributing to the desertedness of the entire area.
I reminisced on the years I’d spent in Canada as I strolled the airport’s walkway in Montreal. Canada had been my home for a long time, and I’d spent loads of time adjusting to a new way of life different from the one I was used to. While trapped in my thoughts, the counter lady jerked me back to reality. “We can’t get you from Canada to Nigeria due to a mistake with your ticket,” her words to me. It stifled me poorly. “What!” I retorted in shock. After several attempts at securing a better alternative, we settled on a stopover in Paris.
Noticing the worry creeping over my face, she said, with a hint of pity and reassurance in her voice, “When you get to Paris, figure out your next flight to Cotonou as I’m unable to do that for you.” It sounded golden, but I braced for the bumpy trip ahead. My flight took off to Paris immediately.
My First Encounter in Paris
Life as we know it has changed courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything as we know it hangs on a balance. My trip to Paris was eye-opening and taught me that a new beginning looms ahead. There was strict adherence to the rationing of foods, which was unusual. Besides, when we arrived at the airport terminal in the lustrous city of Paris, officials ordered us to clench our masks onto our faces. We were also cautioned to maintain social distancing while separating ourselves from large groups. I was supposed to be in Paris for only four hours before we left for Cotonou but ended up transiting here for eight hours.
At some point, a murmur arose in the airport not far from where I stood that caught my attention. I watched as crowds gathered around a middle-aged man. Small talk ensued between passengers and the man. A dozen passengers introduced themselves; selfies were taken; smiles were glued on everyone’s faces. I got curious as to whom the celebrity was and walked up to him to introduce myself. His name was Kemi Seba, a French-Beninese political activist, and writer. We exchanged pleasantries and promised to follow up on our conversations. He was very nice and it was a great delight to meet him.
A Plot Twist in Cotonou
Our plane touched ground in Cotonou after a smooth journey in the air. I was very exhausted but, I wanted to transit to Nigeria immediately. Sadly, due to our late arrival in Cotonou, the officials in Cotonou had to collect our passports and made arrangements for lodging, for which we had to grease their palms, of course. I mean, bad is everywhere these days.
The lodging provided was expensive – an equivalent of one hundred Canadian dollars – yet dingy. The whole process reminded me of how different the life there was from the one I know in Canada. I made lots of great friends in Cotonou and many beautiful experiences I’d cherished forever.
Very early the next morning, after the hectic night, we returned to the airport. After an additional payment of about one hundred Canadian dollars, we transited by bus to Nigeria’s borders. On arrival, locals tried to smuggle us through the walls to which we protested. We possess Nigerian passports, and the Nigerian government anticipated our arrival so we did not need to be smuggled into the country. We reached out to the Immigration Controller, and luckily, we were transported safely to my dear, beloved country — Nigeria.
Nigeria — Home at last!
After some time had passed, I made a short trip to Abeokuta with Prince Noah Abiola; he’s an indigene of Abeokuta. Ironically, I had my university education in Abeokuta. So, I decided to go sightseeing on this important part of my past – my apartment during my school days, over 20 years ago, at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. I could not recognize the area anymore, but being an indigene, Prince Noah Abiola simply asked all I remembered about it and he navigated us there. It was sad to see a once beautifully vibrant building replaced by the sight of an old, dilapidated building. I remembered how beautiful it was and the many memories I had there. I felt disappointed at the neglect the place had seen over decades. Hopefully, there will be renovations made to restore its beauty.
Do you know what was more exhilarating? It was meeting my childhood friends, who are big names in their respective professions. One out of the two is Jude Idada. “Jude Idada is a Nigerian screenwriter, actor, poet, playwright, and producer best known for writing the feature film, The Tenant,” according to Wikipedia. The latter is Stephanie Busari, and according to Wikipedia, “Stephanie Busari is a Nigerian journalist notable for exclusively obtaining the ‘proof of life’ video for the missing Chibok schoolgirls in the wake of the Bring Back Our Girls advocacy, which led to negotiations with Boko Haram that resulted in the release of over 100 of the kidnapped schoolgirls.”
It was indeed wonderful to be back in my roots! I loved every single bit of it. Life’s changed since I left for Canada. There was a mix of emotions that conflicted with my mind. A piece of my heart was anxious at my surprise arrival in Nigeria, while the other part wished I had at least informed Prince Noah Abiola. I handled my feelings aright and thanked God for landing me safely to Nigeria. Nonetheless, before I could commence activities in Nigeria, I had to test for the Coronavirus at the Infectious Diseases Isolation Center Yaba, Lagos. Thankfully, I tested negative, so you don’t have to worry about my health.
Meeting with family and Prince Noah Abiola was the most emotional moment of the whole journey. It elicited hordes of emotions that had been waiting to burst with great gusto. Tears swelled in our eyes, streaming down our eyelids with joy and warmth.
There is nothing better than eating good food at home. And that’s what I got visiting my uncle at his office in Ikeja. He works as a taxman and also in the automation process for government policies. We laughed and made small talk praising the meal delivered to us by Lora’s Cucina. They’re a professionally trained indigenous and exotic food outfit that specializes in Nigerian and Italian cuisines. I could feel the glorious chants in my stomach, and the nice moves my taste buds formulated when I opened it. So, the next time you’re in Nigeria and need an explosive nutritional experience, be sure to reach out to the and they’ll have your delicacy delivered to your location. You can check out their Instagram page @loracucina, Facebook page Loracucina/lora’s Kitchen, and Twitter page @Lora_cucina.
I also finished my projects — and my songs. I recorded five out of six songs with a small mobile band. I’d started work on the sixth but was unable to complete it before leaving Nigeria.
There were a couple of other wonderful people I met, including the chairman of Lekki free zone, Mr. Biodun Dabiri, who has been a transaction specialist for over 24 years and focused on another significant number of years on joint businesses and divestitures. I was privileged to meet the family of the ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, whose two sons I remain good friends with.
A Plot Twist in Cotonou
During my visit to my farm, I met a man who had three wives and ten children – nine boys and a girl. I enjoyed watching the kids play with tyres and reminisced on days when I was like them; carefree, and feeling the world turn into a blur until all that was left was me and my tyre.
I also got to meet a whole bunch of Prince Noah Abiola’s friends. Ah yes, Prince Noah Abiola.
True Journey
I met Prince Noah Abiolain Canada during a conference, and we didn’t quite hit it right away. As time moved, the closeness tightened, and love blossomed, and I am glad he appeared in my life. We had lots of fun during my brief visit to Nigeria. We went shopping at Maryland Shopping Mall, Lagos. We also visited Ibadan and went to Shoprite, Ibadan and even had a carpool karaoke session.
And the highlight of the entire trip was our engagement. We had the ceremony COVID-19 style.
Prince Noah Abiola is the light of my journey. A new chapter has been opened. An original path is laid forth, and another beginning exists. I don’t mind walking it, as long as my love and I walk through the long-distance that sets before us.
But Prince Noah Abiola was not the only new beginning in my life at the time. I adopted a beautiful young girl in Nigeria during my stay too. And I look forward to supplying her love immeasurable. And there’s my journey back home, back to my heart, and lastly, back to our hearts.
