Express Route to Nigeria

Here's hoping everyone had an amazing weekend. Bittersweet weekend for me because it is my last weekend in Canada.Where to? You ask...

I haven't mentioned on my blog but if you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I am moving back to Nigeria!

My family is really last-minute one that I didn't want to share this till I was certain i.e. less than two weeks to departure. I initially planned on running off to England for my Master's but after this Summer Internship and a lot of other factors, my decision changed!

Excited! Yes I am! I'm off for NYSC people. And from the tales of a few bloggers, I know I am in for a ridiculously bumpy ride. If you think I am Skipping the camp, You're kidding! My Father is the Number One Nigerian Patriot and will NOT stand for an exemption of this service. Translation = Hello Khakis and Orange Shoes.

There are so many things to consider in moving to Nigeria. Not for a holiday, but to live! It's going to be a ridiculous change but one I am excited for. I'll admit though that I'm scared of:

• Getting 3 shades darker ( NO Sunlight in Canada because Nigeria stole ALL the Sun's rays)
• Overpriced Items (Body Lotion in Nigeria even gets to N2000 compare to $3 here. WHAT?)
• Mobile Networks making my BB Chats Slow (People will think I'm a rookie O_o)
• The relationship I'm about to form with tailors (It's about to get REAL personal - Trad TIME)
• Caring for my Natural Hair with Hairdressers that Yell "This your hair is DUE" huh?
• Becoming a MEAT-AGARIAN ( All we eat in Nigeria is MEAT and I am a FAN )
• Covering up my legs ( Or the woman will no doubt yell 'BE NAKED' on the streets)
• Mosquito bites (They are lethal, I haven't been bitten in almost 5 years)
• Forgetting to Blog (That will be so easy!)
• Not being able to wear Nma (my darling shoes)
• Becoming a very cultural babe (I'm very impressionable and will absorb all Local-ness)
• Weddings and Events ( My dad will definitely drag me to the east coast for a few functions)
• Resuming My Kilishi Addiction
• Getting Fat (After walking up 3 hrs every day in Montreal; now sitting in a car 24/7)
• My parents needing me too much (Not in a bad way, but then I won't want to leave anymore)

I;m looking forward to seeing artistes in contests; Bez, Dbanj, Sauce Kid, Wizkid and the lot! Yes tot that! As for the lack of constant power, safety concerns et al. I have come to terms with the reality that my country is not perfect. I hope and pray that the efforts of those who TRULY care about Nigeria will spread and lead to progress. With Nigeria turning 51, all I can say is Happy 51st Independence Day Nigeria.

I have always been one of those that is determined to make an impact in Nigeria in my field of Finance. And though I can not boast of having much to offer at this point, I refuse to be an outsider "thinking" they "know" what's best for the country. I intend to be submersed in the system and find out myself. This way, the next time I leave, I'll know what exactly I am going to get out of the experience. I may be an idealist and not talking in real terms, but I'd rather have objectives and watch them change over time.
Bittersweet emotions because I'm saying "see you later" to all the people I love in Canada but thanks to social networking and skype, they're never far away! Woop woop! And if you're wondering about my Twin, she'll be on her way soon as well. I'm just heading out first...

With One of my friends losing her life to an accident and another still in recovery after a bombing, I'm definitely terrified of the State of the country but there's no running for me. Head bent, hands clasped...Looking to the sky for God's help.

Yours Truantly,

IJ