A blunt statement by Tosin Olugbenga has ignited a fierce debate among Nigerians at home and abroad:

“At age 40, you shouldn’t be running from UK to Ireland to Australia in the name of getting permanent residency. If UK no work, return to your father’s farm in Nigeria.”

He added that staying on long immigration routes — such as the 15-year pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain #ILR while earning minimum wage in care work — may not lead to fulfilment.

The remark triggered strong reactions across generational, economic, and ideological lines.

At the centre of the argument is a bigger question:

- Is migration after 40 ambition — or desperation?
- “It’s a Young Man’s Game”

Some respondents agreed with Tosin’s position.

Ayo argued that relocation becomes significantly harder with age: “The older you are, the harder it is to thrive abroad with the current situation. It is HARD. It’s a young man's game.”

Tsh painted a sobering financial picture of older migrants stuck in low-wage cycles: “At age 40 with no permanent immigration document, no thriving business, limited pension contributions, and locked out of home ownership due to minimum wage income — not a good spot to be abroad.”

Tayewo added that stigma often keeps people abroad longer than they should: “Most people stay because of the shame attached to returning home with nothing to show for it.”

To this camp, migration without upward mobility becomes survival without dignity.

“Whose Truth Is This?”

Others strongly rejected the framing.

Dolly P pushed back: “At 40, people can still change countries, careers, and circumstances. Stop policing choices like everyone has the same options.”

Kayode shared a personal success story, explaining that he relocated to “Mapleland” (a colloquial reference to Canada) in his 40s and secured residency within a year, alongside tangible assets both abroad and in Nigeria.

Iamythezyx added: “Life begins at 40. Run your race. Life no get manual.”

For this group, age is not a deadline. It is simply a different starting point.

Migration for Self — or for Offspring?

A recurring theme in the responses was intergenerational strategy.

TMikanra argued that many migrants endure hardship not for personal comfort but to give their children advantages they never had.

Cmr. Henry Duke echoed this: “A lot of people that chose that path ain’t doing it for themselves but for their offspring.”

The debate, then, shifts from individual fulfilment to legacy planning.

Is it better to struggle abroad so your children inherit stability?
Or build locally and teach them resilience within Nigeria?

The Nigeria Factor
Several respondents reframed the conversation around safety and quality of life.

Tèmi Kollins described migration after 40 not as desperation, but as strategic retirement planning: “At 40+ is a good age to retire abroad — far away from bandits, generator fumes, fake drugs, fake drinks. Sometimes life is not about wealth. Health is wealth.”

Dr. Samuel Effiong took it further: “At Age 50, if you have opportunity to wash plates abroad just to avoid bandits… please do.”

In contrast to Tosin’s “father’s farm” metaphor, Ajibike Oropo pointed out a harsh reality: “Most people will not even be on this journey if there was truly a father’s farm somewhere.”

For many, the “farm” is either economically unviable or structurally unsafe.

Skills vs Location

Chijioke Ifeanyi introduced another angle: value creation.

“If you solve problems, you get paid. The bigger the problem you solve, the bigger you get paid.”

His argument suggests geography may matter less than skill acquisition. Whether in Nigeria or abroad, economic relevance determines mobility.

However, critics would argue that systemic infrastructure differences still shape earning potential.

The Psychological Undercurrent

Beyond economics, the debate exposes something deeper: identity and pride.

Migration can feel like:
- Escape
- Upgrade
- Survival
- Sacrifice
- Or social validation

Returning home may signal failure in some circles. Staying abroad may mean prolonged hardship in others.

Tosin’s statement cuts because it challenges a widely held diaspora narrative — that permanent residency abroad is always worth the grind.

Is There an Age Limit to Reinvention?

Demographically, many countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada operate immigration systems that favour younger applicants through points-based frameworks.

But history shows reinvention at 40, 50, or even 60 is not unusual.

The real variables often include:
- Health
- Savings buffer
- Skill portability
- Immigration pathway clarity
- Family obligations
- Long-term pension strategy

Age amplifies risk — but does not eliminate possibility.

The Real Question

The debate is not really about 40.

It is about:
- Opportunity versus illusion
- Pride versus practicality
- Stability versus aspiration
- And whether migration is still a guaranteed ladder — or just another maze

Some will build in Nigeria and thrive.
Some will migrate late and succeed.
Some will struggle in both places.

As one commenter summarised: “Life no get manual.”