A Nigerian registered nurse who spent eight years working in the United Kingdom has made the bold decision to return to her home country permanently. Oliva Princewill's choice to abandon her UK career and resettle in Nigeria has sparked widespread conversation online after she shared her reasons in a candid video.
The Two Key Factors Behind the Return
In a TikTok video posted on her account @miss_princewill, Oliva Princewill pinpointed two primary aspects of life in the United Kingdom that she did not enjoy. The first was the weather, a common grievance among Nigerians accustomed to a warmer climate. The cold, grey, and often rainy British weather proved to be a significant downside for her.
The second major factor was the cultural environment. While she did not elaborate in extreme detail, her mention of "the culture" suggests a feeling of disconnection or a lack of the familiar social warmth and community dynamics found in Nigeria. She stated clearly in her video that these elements made her realize she would not remain in the UK for the long term.
Her video caption, "Can you relate? Wooo UK had me tiredddd," resonated with many viewers who have had similar experiences living abroad.
Public Reaction and Shared Experiences
The video quickly went viral, attracting numerous comments from people who related to her sentiments or shared their own stories of return migration. User @Aduragbemi commented, "Bro I packed my bag after living in SA for 10 years and moved back to Lagos I just could not take the winters anymore. It was driving me mental," highlighting a shared struggle with seasonal changes.
Others, like @Dr val, pointed to the psychological impact, noting, "The rains leads to depression with constant work no fun." The discussion also veered into practicalities, with @xomilissa stating, "if i can get paid in dollars, i will gladly come bk to nigeria and work waliah," touching on the economic considerations that often accompany such decisions.
Some comments expressed admiration for her move and inquired about her next steps, including volunteering for any organization she might be involved with, indicating a community interest in re-engagement and contribution.
A Growing Trend of Return Migration
Oliva Princewill's story is not isolated. It reflects a noticeable trend where some Nigerians who have lived abroad for years are choosing to return home. The article references a related story about a man who returned to Nigeria after a staggering 33 years in the UK, and another about a lady who came back after just two years abroad.
These narratives often center on a complex mix of push and pull factors. While opportunities and systems abroad are attractive, elements like climate, cultural alienation, a desire for familial connection, and an entrepreneurial or philanthropic drive to contribute to Nigeria's development can pull individuals back.
The conversation in the comments also revealed lingering concerns that hold others back, such as @Sister Grace who prayed "for the insecurity to be over to invest and be able to come home or visit more." This highlights that the decision to return is deeply personal and weighed against various realities.
Ultimately, Oliva Princewill's journey from the UK back to Nigeria, driven by her dissatisfaction with the weather and cultural fit, adds a compelling voice to the ongoing dialogue about diaspora experiences, national identity, and the meaning of home for many Nigerians living across the globe.
