Last updated on October 7th, 2025 at 03:22 pm
Trigger Warning:
This story includes scenes depicting child sexual abuse. This warning has been provided to allow you to make an informed decision about whether to continue reading. Please consider your emotional well-being before interacting with this content if you have experienced trauma connected to sexual abuse in the past.
…
“Omo, you dey craze. Have you seen what the country has turned into?” My friend, Hassan, yells over the phone. Even through the camera, I can tell he thinks I’ve lost it.
“What can I say?” I shrug.
“Nothing. You’re insane. You’re the only one I know who has relocated and returned home. Even worse, you look happy. I can’t believe it.”
“Guy, when are you coming to visit?” I ask, disregarding his demeanour. Speaking about relocation is a very sensitive issue. While I can’t deny that it’s a greener pasture. Things are not always as they seem, and sometimes, going back home is the best option.
“I don’t know. I’m not even sure I want to see that your ugly face.” I start to laugh as he says this. My friend is quite the drama king.
“Hassan, I don’t know why you’re upset o. We booked this flight together; you were on the phone when I did. You travelled with the car I sent, from Port Harcourt to this place and also assessed this house before I arrived. Why are you acting as if I arrived without informing you? Plus, it’s been a month already.” I groan.
“And so? Let me talk, please. I’m angry.”
“At me or your boss?”
“Guy, no try me o.” He says, and I start laughing again.
“See, I understand. Stick to your plan and move to your own business in due time.”
“Everyone cannot be like you, Joe. It’s not easy.”
“I get it. You have to admit that I always said I was going to do my own thing, though. As a creative, it didn’t make sense to be boxed in by someone’s demands.”
“True talk. You’re privileged, but I have to admit to your intelligence and tenacity.” Hassan reflects.
“Thank you, please. Give me my flowers, dear.”
“Fla what? Don’t get used to me praising you, bro.”
“Noted, oga mi. Hassan, me I want to go and eat o, let’s talk later. Hopefully, you haven’t beheaded your boss then.”
“I tell you. I tell you.” He says, laughing.
—
It’s been a month since I returned to Nigeria and everyone, and I mean even strangers, who got wind of this has felt the need to talk to me. This talk involved anything from a series of interrogations to pity to prayers and unwarranted advice. I was prepared for the onslaught, but the real-life experience hits differently. Even when I expected everyone to have moved past it, I’d randomly get a call from a relative, and the talk would begin. Now, I screen numbers before answering them.
Don’t get me wrong. Living abroad is my thing. There are plans to finally settle down in one of those first-world countries, but I consider myself quite young and still up for adventure. About three years after university, I can say that things are looking up and this is me being humble. I started my videography and photography journey during my first degree and through word of mouth and the help of my parents, I began making enough way before I graduated.
At some point, my parents worried that I wasn’t going to take my education seriously, considering that I was already travelling around Nigeria for gigs and making enough to pay my school fees. Usually, I know what I want and I go for it. Going to the UK for my master’s was to get a higher education, solid field experience, and boost my skills and credibility.
Back in Nigeria now, many companies have reached out for collaboration and sponsorships. The main cash has been from my digital products and YouTube channel, though. I have images and videos for downloads on graphic resources websites, two digital courses on my website, and a YouTube channel dedicated to video and photo editing tutorials, Tech gadgets reviews, and a few lifestyle content. I also ensure to drop a collection yearly, with the theme being anything that comes to mind. This gives people something to look forward to. Oh! There is also the merchandise I released last year that luckily sold out within the first hour of launch.
Let’s just say I went into this knowing there was no plan B. So coming back to Nigeria might be silly, but I trust myself—I should even go as far as saying I trust my gut. This year’s collection is resting in my storage, and my merchandise is ready for launch. I’m simply enjoying my days here in Calabar and getting a long-needed rest. My plan is to start touring some African countries once I complete the launch. Suffice it to say that many companies are interested in sponsoring these trips. Since I can afford them, I intend to only work with the best of the best. Don’t need anybody staining my white.
Anyway, that’s a little gist you didn’t ask for. You’re welcome.
