For many Nigerians, relocating to the UK is seen as a pathway to better opportunities and stability. The idea of #japa - leaving Nigeria for a supposedly better life abroad - has gained momentum over the years. However, a recent video by a Nigerian woman who has chosen to return to Nigeria from the UK is sparking a different kind of conversation.

Her YouTube video, titled “Why I’m Leaving the UK for Nigeria,” has gone viral for its honesty and emotional depth. In it, she shares her reasons for making a life-changing decision to go back home after spending years in the United Kingdom. Rather than regret, her message is one of clarity, healing, and rediscovery.

Looking directly into the camera, she opens up about the pressure to succeed abroad and the personal disappointment she feels from not meeting societal expectations.

She explains that although her family may have hoped for more visible success, her wellbeing must come first. Her words reflect a sentiment many immigrants quietly relate to: the silent weight of trying to make it abroad while slowly losing themselves in the process.

Her account touches deeply on the emotional and physical exhaustion of living in the UK. The video paints a picture of cold winters, constant bills, and a relentless lifestyle that left her feeling depleted. She speaks about the mental fatigue and the loneliness that followed her day-to-day routine, despite having access to work and therapy. For her, the turning point came when she realised that peace, joy, and self-worth couldn’t be found in just surviving.

She shares that each time she visits Nigeria, she feels something different — a sense of wholeness and connection. The idea of returning no longer felt like giving up but like choosing a life that supports her happiness and purpose.

Back in Nigeria, she plans to work with children and start long-delayed passion projects that bring meaning to her life.

Her decision is not one made in haste or anger. She and her family have planned the move intentionally, recognising that what they need now is a life grounded in balance and fulfilment.

The video offers a perspective that challenges common assumptions. Staying abroad isn’t always the dream, and going home doesn’t mean failure.

Many viewers have related to her words, with comments and reactions reflecting shared experiences. Some are saving up to return. Others are still figuring out their own paths. What resonates most is her honesty - a reminder that success is not one-size-fits-all, and peace of mind is a valid goal.

This story represents a shift in the migration narrative. While the dream of moving abroad still holds value, stories like hers remind us that happiness doesn’t have a fixed location. For some, the best version of their future might be waiting not in London, but back home in Lagos.

Watch the Full Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlumOZzTCuQ