A Nigerian woman's five-year experiment of moving back to her homeland has concluded with her return to the United States. Nora, who initially 'japadaed'—a popular term for returning home after living abroad—shared her candid story on TikTok, detailing the complex realities that led to her recent decision to move back to America.
The Dream of Returning Home
Nora's journey began five years ago, immediately after her graduation in the United States. Filled with a sense of duty and nostalgia, she packed her entire American life into two suitcases and boarded a flight to Nigeria. "I had no real plan, no expectations, just a dream to support my family business and this deep feeling that it was time for me to go home," she recounted. Her primary motivation was to contribute to her family's enterprise, embarking on what many in the diaspora romanticize as the ultimate homecoming.
Confronting the Reality of Culture Shock
However, the reality of daily life in Nigeria presented immediate and profound challenges. Nora described experiencing a significant culture shock that she felt nothing could have prepared her for. She listed persistent power outages, the complexities of social interactions, government-related issues, and navigating a volatile economy as some of the major hurdles. "I honestly had no idea what I was walking into," she admitted, highlighting the gap between expectation and lived experience.
Despite these difficulties, Nora's story is not one of simple regret. She emphasized that she worked nonstop, driven by the vision and goals she had set for herself. She also found profound beauty in her new life, cherishing the rich culture, the food, the vibrant atmosphere, the sense of community, and the closeness to family. "There were many moments that reminded me I was home...," she shared, acknowledging the duality of her experience.
Growth, Reflection, and a New Chapter
Nora credits Nigeria with pushing her far beyond her comfort zone, fostering personal and professional growth in ways she never anticipated. Yet, after half a decade, she has made the decision to return to the United States. This move has sparked deep introspection, leading her to question where her heart truly belongs. "After 5 years I'm back in the U.S. And I'm questioning where my heart truly lies," she stated.
To process this journey and connect with others facing similar crossroads, Nora announced she is launching a video series. This project aims to create a community for Nigerians in the diaspora who have contemplated moving back. She promises an unvarnished look at the experience, stating, "This won't be sugarcoated, just real stories, real lessons and the truth about what it means to go home."
Mixed Reactions from the Online Community
Her announcement elicited a wide range of responses from social media users, reflecting the nuanced debate around 'japada'.
- One user, Nene Abena Elektra, cautioned: "Don’t sha japada if you dont have a second passport or family business to run, your eye will peel."
- Another, Butterscotch, humorously related: "I have japaed, japadaed, japaed and now thinking of japadaeing again..."
- User Cypharr made a distinction: "Going to study is not Japa, you're expected to come back after studies."
- Several comments pointed to the privilege of having options, like faesalterego who noted: "You had me until I saw you have a second passport. Must be nice to have options."
- Others, like sincerelymakafui, expressed empathy: "I can totally understand this feeling. Like why can’t we have the best of both worlds?"
Nora's story, shared on December 5, 2025, adds a deeply personal chapter to the ongoing conversation about migration, identity, and the search for belonging among young Nigerians. It underscores that the journey 'home' is often not a final destination but a continuous evolution of self and purpose.
