A Nigerian man residing in the United Kingdom has ignited a fiery online conversation about parental responsibilities and migration motives after revealing his personal reason for leaving Nigeria.
The man, who uses the TikTok handle @ijowest, made a candid declaration that has divided opinions. He stated unequivocally that his decision to relocate to the UK was not driven by a desire to secure a better future for his children, but rather for his own personal sake.
The Core of the Controversial Statement
In a post on the social media platform, the immigrant laid out his philosophy. He expressed a firm belief that his children would forge their own paths in life, regardless of their place of birth, just as he did for himself.
He wrote, "I didn't relocate because of my children. I did for myself." Elaborating further, he added that he refuses to pressure himself to fulfil a destiny for another person—a destiny whose details he cannot possibly know.
His central argument is that a parent's core duty is to provide good parenting, which includes moral guidance, quality education, and a supportive upbringing. He distinguishes this sharply from what he terms "geographic placement," implying that moving abroad is not an obligatory part of that parental contract.
Mixed Reactions from the Online Community
The man's post, shared on December 20, 2025, quickly attracted a flood of comments, showcasing a wide spectrum of views on migration and family.
Some users agreed wholeheartedly with his perspective. A user named Lion? commented, "No lies o..That good parenting, proper upbringing to the best of my power... once e pass this, I cannot suffer myself ooo..I also want to enjoy life." Another, akinade145, supported the sentiment, writing, "You can give your children everything and they become lazy and entitled. Me i go enjoy my life first abeg."
However, others strongly criticised his stance. User sommieyy countered, "You owe your children everything! If you’re not ready to give don’t bring them on earth." Another commenter, Tabitha??, suggested he benefited his children regardless, stating, "You did for them unknowingly, that exposure alone is enough…… they have their part to live the way they want but trust me a working system is for their advantage."
A Broader Conversation on Diaspora Life
This incident taps into a larger, ongoing dialogue within the Nigerian diaspora about the pressures and expectations tied to migration. It challenges the common narrative that moving abroad is primarily a sacrificial act for the next generation.
The debate also reflects diverse parenting styles and philosophies about how best to equip children for success, whether through direct provision of opportunities or by focusing on character and resilience.
The story was originally reported by Victor Duru for Legit.ng, an award-winning journalist with over four years of experience. The report also referenced a related story about a man who returned to the UK to start afresh after previously moving back to Nigeria, highlighting the complex and sometimes circular nature of migration decisions.
