RELOCATION!....RELOCATION!!....RELOCATION!!!

Rd 2, Victoria Garden City

The whole point of creating this blog was to document the entire process of my relocation hence the web address; ijustgotback.blogspot.co.uk

The term 'I just got back' #IJGB refers to a person of Nigerian origin who was either born and resides abroad or has lived outside Nigeria (usually the United States, or Europe) for an extended period of time.

BACKGROUND

Born and raised in London I have spent my entire life here. I made my first trip to Nigeria five years ago whilst studying for my first degree. This was a pretty late stage for a first timer and my folks never took me whilst growing up. Having said that I have plenty of British Nigerian friends also born in the UK that have never been home.

Since my first visit, I've traveled back to Lagos on several occasions mostly for vacation, weddings, and a volunteering placements.... I’m sure your thinking 'Lagos Nigeria as a holiday destination!?' well yes contrary to what most people think Lagos is a great place to holiday.

Anywho I decided I was going to move down for a trial run after my working holiday which took place in the summer of 2012.
My parents still find it odd that someone who started going to Lagos as an adult has developed such enthrallment with the city. As a child, my folks would travel to Nigeria once every two years or so.
Now, I visit roughly three times per year. They don't see what all the fuss is about and are certain the novelty will soon wear off.

THE BIG MOVE

I did my research, spoke to friends, relatives, expat workers, opened a Nigerian bank account etc. I found a lovely furnished two bedroom apartment in Victoria Garden City (VGC) in the Ajah axis of lekki (east from Victoria Island) for 1.5 Million Naira per annum which is around 6,000 GBP at the exchange rate of N250. I wanted to stay at the popular 1004  estates in Victoria island as its ideal for expats and westerners that are new to Lagos but I just felt it was slightly overrated and overpriced. I realised I could get more for my money at VGC.

Next, I needed a car so had a look on cheki.com.ng to get an idea of car prices then had some friends talk to some friends about getting a small jeep.... I wasn't really sure what make I wanted, I just thought I needed something that could brave the dodgy back roads in Lekki when flooded... Went to see a Honda and Toyota, I was actually swayed towards the Toyota. My folks kicked up a bit of fuss over if I was going to have a driver or drive myself….but I'll elaborate on that in the next blog post.

I decided to postpone my relocation, TWICE. Come on Folly make up your mind! Reason being that first I decided to further my studies and then I got a job offer!

I'm sure I broke that estate agents heart.

WHATS NEXT?

It’s more a question of when rather than if…
As my studies are now complete YAAAAY I can actually go anytime from now.....
I can’t give an exact time frame....you will have to follow the blog to see when it actually happens.

I shall be In Lagos over the summer for a few projects which should be fun…


Thanks for reading :)

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