by Babafemi Aderounmu
“In as much as you try to, you can never be adequately prepared for your return to motherland unless of course you have a fortune and trust fund waiting for you upon your return”.
It has been a year and 10 months approximately that I made my “un-expected return” back to Nigeria after two-and-a-half years of studying, working and integrating across various cities in France and exchanging cultures with over 30 nationalities. The best two-and-half-year spell of my life – thus far.
More often than not since I made the return, I have had to re-convince, re-assure and stay true to myself about my decision to return home despite having approximately 9 months left on my legal stay permit in France and a fair chance of seeking full time employment on the long-run. Trust me, it has been a daunting task, tougher than I make it seem but what else do you expect from a Braveheart! I can be more; I can always do better, environment and circumstances irrespective. I am moulded out of a philosophy which aims to make wealth, drive dreams and leave a positive impact, a feat I believe can be achieved geographical location regardless. Of course, routine time to impact is greatly slower in developing countries like Nigeria but there are outliers who have defied this and moved on to achieve great things.
As shocking as my decision was to many when I decided to return to Nigeria, one thing I have had to block out of my mind and sub-conscious is regret. And there goes the first key to bear in mind when making the much dreaded return to Nigeria after a sojourn in a society and community where the basic amenities and systems work. Be convinced and be sure you are making the right decision, block out regret and aim for making your return work at all “positive and legal” cost.
Regret only eats you dry. Aim for the next thing, next step. Seize the next opportunity and make it better than the one foregone. I returned home not because I wasn’t booking job interviews in France but I guess the waiting game was getting too long as it is for every big dreamer and as you would expect, sitting home wasn’t going to pay the bills. To keep things ticking, I became increasingly involved with 1Plify (a startup I co-founded) and finally decided to give it a strong go while I equally explore other entrepreneurial opportunities that come my way. Enter stage key number two, not all that is planned pans out exactly the same way they were conceived, prepare to switch to alternatives. Five months down the lane working full time on 1Plify, I took a paid employment, bills had to be paid. I know this doesn’t sound too heroic for the hardcore startup-er or entrepreneur out there, but sometimes you have got to bend the rules while you keep an eye on your intended end-game. For me the end-game has never changed or tilted for a bit, Build – Sustain- Shape sustainable business models that solve real needs using the power of the internet, technology and the human capital potential of concerned markets.
My re-integration into to the Nigerian society and crazy Lagos life was not so easy but was better facilitated because I never lost touch with those I left back home. Key number 3, consistently bridge the gap. A spell/sojourn overseas shouldn’t be the end of your relationships back home. Trust me, you will need them. The people I initially squatted with on my return are friends and business partners whom I have consistently kept in touch despite the long distance. And ultimately, remember that when all is said and done, you would at one time need to carry out projects or partner people when you finally decide to return back home, 5-10-20 years down the lane. You can only partner or build alliances with people you have maintained close ties with!
As far as my short story goes (much longer in reality), I am a big supporter of international exposure be it education or tourism related. I constantly clamour for same on a daily basis. However, in as much as the sojourn out of town brings good and unforgettable memories, I am a proponent of going bold when the time demands. I believe in both sides of the coin.
Be true to yourself before you make a return back home, explore all opportunities abroad if this is what you truly want and believe would help actualize your dreams. And if you get stuck for too long and decide to come back home, pay close attention to the three keys I have highlighted and be ready to fight hard for your dreams anywhere fate and opportunity places you.
“There are giants in every man’s promise land; it takes a lion heart to possess the land” – Bishop David Oyedepo. A Victor or a Victim is all in the mind.
Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija
Babafemi is a Certified International Manager and Business Development Professional with substantial international experience working with start-ups, mid-sized and multinational establishments. Very comfortable and flexible working in intercultural settings having had 2+ years’ study and work experience in France; engaging and interacting with over 30 nationalities.
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