A Nigerian nurse, Judith Okoli, has drawn widespread attention after making the unconventional decision to leave her job in the United States and return permanently to Nigeria. Her story, shared in a candid video, has ignited discussions around the meaning of success, the pursuit of happiness, and the sacrifices often made in the chase for financial gain.
Speaking in Pidgin English, Okoli questioned society’s definition of a better life. “Everyone is asking me, ‘Why did you leave America? Are you okay? You want to suffer in Nigeria?’” she said. “But I hope you guys know that money is not everything — at least, to some people. At least, to me.”
Okoli explained that her decision was not impulsive, but the result of deep introspection and a growing realization that fulfillment does not always accompany financial success. She highlighted the emotional and social costs many pay while living abroad, often in isolation and under pressure.
“Someone can make N100 but be miserable — insulted at work, restless, disconnected from life,” she said. “Then another person makes just N50, but they are happy, they spend quality time with their family, they sleep well, they enjoy peace of mind. For me, it’s about quality of life.”
She also expressed concern over how migration has fragmented African families, noting that while the Western world offers economic opportunity, it often comes at the expense of close-knit relationships and peace of mind.
“Look at what the Western world is doing to us,” she said. “Families are scattered. One child is in Germany, another in Canada, another in Dubai. Six siblings haven’t seen each other in three years — all in the name of seeking a better life, but forgetting about the quality of life.”
Okoli’s choice challenges prevailing narratives around migration and success, offering a reminder that for some, the definition of a good life extends beyond salaries and savings — and includes connection, contentment, and a sense of home.
