I watched a video of a Nigerian man sharing his experience travelling by road from Nigeria to Libya, hoping to eventually reach Europe.
Honestly, my heart was heavy after hearing his story. He lost his two brothers in the Mediterranean Sea and eventually returned to Nigeria without reaching Italy.
His experience reminded me that the desire for a better life should never make us ignore the dangers of an unsafe journey.
Europe may be your dream. But please don't let the journey become your nightmare.
I watched a video of a Nigerian man sharing his experience travelling by road from Nigeria to Libya, hoping to eventually reach Europe.
And honestly, my heart was heavy. I couldn't sleep well.
He said the stories he heard before starting the journey were nothing compared to what he actually experienced.
After they successfully crossed the dangerous Sahara Desert, he was deceived and sold out.
He was imprisoned twice.
He lost his two brothers in the Mediterranean Sea.
He eventually had to call his family for help and raise money to arrange his papers and return to Nigeria without reaching Italy.
What shocked me most was hearing how many people become stranded in Libya.
Some are exploited or trafficked. Some run out of money and become stuck there. Others have to keep calling their families back home for money just to survive or continue the journey.
And then comes the Mediterranean Sea journey.
People board unsafe boats, hoping they will make it to Europe.
Boats that are not designed to carry so many passengers can become dangerously overcrowded. Many people have lost their lives attempting these crossings.
He described the journey as something people often call a "50-50 chance" of making it to Europe. But from his experience, the odds felt far worse.
Please, if anyone is encouraging you to travel by road through Libya with promises that you'll eventually reach Europe, think carefully before making that decision.
I know the economy is difficult.
I know many young people desperately want a better life.
I understand the desire to earn more, support your family, escape financial struggles, and build a future you're proud of.
But please, don't let frustration push you into a journey that could cost you your life.
You deserve a better future, but you deserve to be alive to experience it.
People are still building successful lives in Nigeria. People from humble backgrounds are creating opportunities for themselves.
And please, don't think Europe is a land flowing with milk and honey. European countries have their own challenges, including the cost of living, housing, and finding suitable employment.
Moving abroad can create opportunities, but it doesn't automatically solve every problem.
If travelling is your dream, pursue it. But explore safer and legal routes.
Consider options such as:
Scholarships and education: Research legitimate study opportunities and funding options.
Skilled-work opportunities: Look for genuine employers and verify job offers before making payments or travel arrangements.
Legal immigration pathways: Check the official immigration requirements of your destination country.
Remote work and international opportunities: Explore legitimate ways to earn internationally while building your skills and experience.
Take your time to research. Verify every offer independently. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed entry into Europe through dangerous routes.
Your life is worth more than a promise.
You don't have to risk everything to build a better future. There are safer ways to pursue your dreams, even when the journey takes longer than you hoped.
Please remember: the goal isn't just to reach Europe. The goal is to build a better life and live to enjoy it.
