The journey from Nigeria to Lisbon marks a significant chapter in my life, prompted by the universal truth that change is the only constant. Leaving behind Lagos, the city that shaped my childhood and harbored countless memories, felt daunting but necessary. To welcome something new, I had to create space by stepping out of my comfort zone.
I know many of my followers view my life as an adventure filled with experiences most only dream of. Reflecting on my path, I realize it began with a simple yet profound question: What did I dream of as a child? My childhood was marked by restlessness and curiosity, feelings that grew more pronounced with age. I often found myself captivated by videos of distant places, longing to explore beyond the confines of my known world. While pursuing happiness, I discovered freedom - the liberty to choose how and where I spent my time, doing what I loved.
Despite this, the road to my current reality was fraught with failures, notably in my early business ventures that struggled to last. In hindsight, these experiences shaped me, leading to a discovery that would alter my trajectory: I found a passion for videography and storytelling. Over seven years, I honed this craft, transitioning my content from local explorations in Lagos to capturing narratives across Nigeria and, more recently, the globe.
While Lagos provided rich stories, it also became a source of frustration. The constant battle with infrastructural challenges, such as unreliable internet and inadequate power sources, stifled my creativity. The daily grind left me feeling trapped, leading to burnout and declining mental health. My Nigerian passport limited my travel opportunities, adding to the strain of my lifestyle.
Realizing I needed a change, I explored potential new homes. Initially, I considered Cape Town, drawn by its vibrant culture, but a significant setback dashed those plans. I faced rejection for residency, an experience that stung deeply as it challenged my vision of living outside Africa.
Undeterred, I continued my search and landed on Portugal. Known primarily to me as Cristiano Ronaldo's birthplace, my perspective shifted after my first visit in 2022; the country enchanted me. Following a lengthy immigration process, I was granted residency, and the time came to face the reality of starting anew. I found myself grappling with a wave of emotions - leaving loved ones behind and facing the uncertainty that comes with moving to a new country.
During this transitional phase, I sought professional help through therapy, confronting the mental exhaustion that often accompanies significant life changes. Speaking with a therapist via BetterHelp allowed me to process these feelings. This journey reinforced the idea that seeking help does not signify weakness; rather, it symbolizes strength and the desire for personal growth.
As I navigated this new terrain, I encountered fears and doubts about losing touch with my content's original essence. I grappled with the pressure of audience expectations and the algorithms that dictate engagement on platforms like YouTube. However, I remembered my innate curiosity and my desire to make a broader impact—it encouraged me to view my new chapter as an opportunity for transformation rather than a loss.
This year, I committed to sharing my experiences as an African exploring varied cultures across the globe. I pushed beyond my boundaries, and to my surprise, my audience resonated with the fresh narratives I presented. Residing now in Lisbon, I revel in the simplicity and beauty of daily life. The city’s parks, waterways, and vibrant culture offer a backdrop that fosters creativity and personal expression.
In Lisbon, I reconnect with activities that enrich my life—learning skills such as surfing, swimming, and riding a motorcycle—all of which seemed daunting before. The evening sky filled with possibilities, as travel became more accessible. Living here allows me to explore the world with fewer constraints, all while maintaining my roots in Nigeria.
Although my community here reflects a diverse African presence predominantly from Portuguese-speaking nations, I remain determined to embrace new challenges. I am committed to learning the language and bridging gaps in cultural understanding while keeping my ties to home strong.
My overarching goal is to inspire others to pursue lives fueled by passion and freedom. After all, one cannot pour from an empty cup, and nurturing my creativity is key to providing meaningful content to my audience. Lisbon serves as my current muse, offering an environment where inspiration flows freely.
As we approach a significant milestone of one million followers, I am grateful for the journey we share and excited to invite you along as I forge this new path. Together, let’s paint a vibrant picture of life, exploration, and personal growth. Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to our ongoing adventure. Peace.
Part 1/10:
Embracing Change: My Move from Lagos to Lisbon
The journey from Nigeria to Lisbon marks a significant chapter in my life, prompted by the universal truth that change is the only constant. Leaving behind Lagos, the city that shaped my childhood and harbored countless memories, felt daunting but necessary. To welcome something new, I had to create space by stepping out of my comfort zone.
Part 2/10:
I know many of my followers view my life as an adventure filled with experiences most only dream of. Reflecting on my path, I realize it began with a simple yet profound question: What did I dream of as a child? My childhood was marked by restlessness and curiosity, feelings that grew more pronounced with age. I often found myself captivated by videos of distant places, longing to explore beyond the confines of my known world. While pursuing happiness, I discovered freedom - the liberty to choose how and where I spent my time, doing what I loved.
Part 3/10:
Despite this, the road to my current reality was fraught with failures, notably in my early business ventures that struggled to last. In hindsight, these experiences shaped me, leading to a discovery that would alter my trajectory: I found a passion for videography and storytelling. Over seven years, I honed this craft, transitioning my content from local explorations in Lagos to capturing narratives across Nigeria and, more recently, the globe.
Part 4/10:
While Lagos provided rich stories, it also became a source of frustration. The constant battle with infrastructural challenges, such as unreliable internet and inadequate power sources, stifled my creativity. The daily grind left me feeling trapped, leading to burnout and declining mental health. My Nigerian passport limited my travel opportunities, adding to the strain of my lifestyle.
Realizing I needed a change, I explored potential new homes. Initially, I considered Cape Town, drawn by its vibrant culture, but a significant setback dashed those plans. I faced rejection for residency, an experience that stung deeply as it challenged my vision of living outside Africa.
Part 5/10:
Undeterred, I continued my search and landed on Portugal. Known primarily to me as Cristiano Ronaldo's birthplace, my perspective shifted after my first visit in 2022; the country enchanted me. Following a lengthy immigration process, I was granted residency, and the time came to face the reality of starting anew. I found myself grappling with a wave of emotions - leaving loved ones behind and facing the uncertainty that comes with moving to a new country.
Part 6/10:
During this transitional phase, I sought professional help through therapy, confronting the mental exhaustion that often accompanies significant life changes. Speaking with a therapist via BetterHelp allowed me to process these feelings. This journey reinforced the idea that seeking help does not signify weakness; rather, it symbolizes strength and the desire for personal growth.
Part 7/10:
As I navigated this new terrain, I encountered fears and doubts about losing touch with my content's original essence. I grappled with the pressure of audience expectations and the algorithms that dictate engagement on platforms like YouTube. However, I remembered my innate curiosity and my desire to make a broader impact—it encouraged me to view my new chapter as an opportunity for transformation rather than a loss.
Part 8/10:
This year, I committed to sharing my experiences as an African exploring varied cultures across the globe. I pushed beyond my boundaries, and to my surprise, my audience resonated with the fresh narratives I presented. Residing now in Lisbon, I revel in the simplicity and beauty of daily life. The city’s parks, waterways, and vibrant culture offer a backdrop that fosters creativity and personal expression.
In Lisbon, I reconnect with activities that enrich my life—learning skills such as surfing, swimming, and riding a motorcycle—all of which seemed daunting before. The evening sky filled with possibilities, as travel became more accessible. Living here allows me to explore the world with fewer constraints, all while maintaining my roots in Nigeria.
Part 9/10:
Although my community here reflects a diverse African presence predominantly from Portuguese-speaking nations, I remain determined to embrace new challenges. I am committed to learning the language and bridging gaps in cultural understanding while keeping my ties to home strong.
My overarching goal is to inspire others to pursue lives fueled by passion and freedom. After all, one cannot pour from an empty cup, and nurturing my creativity is key to providing meaningful content to my audience. Lisbon serves as my current muse, offering an environment where inspiration flows freely.
Part 10/10:
As we approach a significant milestone of one million followers, I am grateful for the journey we share and excited to invite you along as I forge this new path. Together, let’s paint a vibrant picture of life, exploration, and personal growth. Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to our ongoing adventure. Peace.