A Nigerian lady living in Dallas, United States, has sparked a widespread conversation online after sharing the private message she received from her uncle. The exchange occurred when she asked him to sponsor her planned trip back to Nigeria.
The Request and The Unexpected Reply
The lady, who posted the screenshot on her TikTok account @amaralanaijaa, informed her uncle that she had found an affordable flight ticket. She then proceeded to ask if he would be willing to cover the cost for her journey. The request was made as part of her "Mission Detty December" plans.
However, her uncle's reply was not the supportive response she might have hoped for. He firmly advised against the trip, stating that it was the "wrongest time" to visit Nigeria. He claimed that people who had recently purchased tickets were already regretting their decision, implicitly citing security concerns.
Social Media Erupts with Divided Opinions
The shared screenshot quickly went viral, drawing a flood of reactions from Nigerians both at home and abroad. The online community found itself sharply divided over the uncle's stance.
Many commenters strongly agreed with the uncle's cautious position. One user, Friesco, shared a harrowing personal account: "This year alone 3 people I know have been kidnapped. One was killed, last week we just paid ransom to free my brother in-law... If those kidnappers should lay their hands on you... they will definitely drain every money from your family." Others, like Nkepepper, pointed to expanded visa restrictions and advised her to "weigh everything before 'fun'."
On the other side, some felt the fears were exaggerated. A user named Adé challenged the narrative: "He's right, he's right, he is right about what? we that are in Nigeria nko? media escalating things than it is. you are coming to lagos not North." Another, Bethel, simply stated, "Nigeria is fine and I don't think people are regretting any."
A Broader Conversation on Diaspora Returns
This incident taps into a larger, ongoing dialogue about the safety and practicality of diaspora Nigerians returning home, whether for visits or permanently. The news story references other recent cases, including a man who returned after 33 years in the UK and a nurse who came back after eight years abroad.
In a related report, a different lady who had relocated to the UK announced her permanent return to Nigeria after just two years, citing her personal reasons for the decision. These stories highlight the complex and often emotional calculations that define the relationship between Nigerians abroad and their homeland.
The viral chat between the Dallas-based lady and her uncle ultimately serves as a microcosm of this national debate, contrasting the desire for connection and cultural immersion with genuine concerns over personal security and economic demands on family.
