The Japa syndrome is still in our blood, as most Nigerians have travelling abroad at the top of their list either for studies, vacations, or to hustle. Most Nigerians still want to Japa but not everyone has the opportunity to.
If you’re a regular traveler then you’ve probably met several interesting people from when you announced your travel date to when you got to the airport, and even while on the journey.
But if you’re a first-time Japa candidate, don’t worry we’ve compiled a list of the types of people you’ll meet when you announce you’re travelling abroad.
Let’s get right into it.
1. The Supporters
From that uncle who has never left Naija but has the best tips on how to pose for pictures in the US and how to survive the cold in Canada, to those friends who’ll keep telling you about winter jackets and how to cope with snow, all thanks to Google.
These people will be there for you from the moment you announce your Japa approval to the day you finally board the plane, turning into immigration coaches, and cold-weather survival experts.
The supporters will try their best to make your last days in town less stressful and offer as much help as they can.
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2. The Prayer Warriors
They can be sweet and thoughtful with their prayers until you hear “I saw a vision last night when I was praying, you sent me, anointing oil, and an iPhone 16pro max 512GB, and then I told God to let his will be done”.
This set of people will pray and fast on your behalf, with a lot of “God bless you” and short prayers whenever they see you. Also, get ready for last-minute invitations to their church for a 12-hour prayer service titled: “Unlocking Doors Abroad.”
3. The Distant Cousins, Uncles, and Aunties.
Out of nowhere, the calls and texts will start pouring in. You’ll get the “It’s me your cousin I’m your uncle’s wife’s brother’s son” or “Can’t you remember me your Aunty, I used to carry you about when you were a little kid.” Says the person that hasn’t reached out to you in years.
You may wonder where they got your number from after all these years. Don’t worry they’re just trying to mark attendance so when they ask for something in the future it won’t be random.
4. The Haters
Let’s call them the Japa Haters Association of Naija. These ones will always find something to be angry or complain about, making you feel judged as though you’ve made a very wrong decision.
If it’s not that you didn’t tell them as soon as you had plans to Japa, it’ll be about why you chose to study in or travel to Croatia of all places and how you’re wasting money travelling abroad.
Well, don’t blame them. They may just be scared of losing you or afraid that you’ll look at them as lesser than you after you Japa.
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5. The Ones Who Keep Asking to Go With You
This set of people don’t want to know how you will do it, their own is “Sha just take me with you.” They’ll even suggest that you put them inside your box 😂😂, or smuggle them at the airport, the both of you must sha Japa together.
After all the “God when” that they’ll tell you, they can be supportive and don’t just want to believe that you’re finally travelling abroad and leaving them in Tinubus Nigeria.
6. The Ones Who Just Want All Your Stuff Before You Leave
If care is not taken, they may even ask for your clothes and everything you can possibly think of for free. For them, this is the opportunity to inherit free stuff from you.
They’ll ask for your Gas, your mattress, your wardrobe, and everything in between. To the point that you’ll be like “Ah! Ah! The fact I’m traveling doesn’t mean I don’t have family members to give stuff to.”
7. The Ones Who Will Want to Scam You
Japa-ing is an opportunity for both you and these types of people. An opportunity for you to leave Naija and explore the world, and an opportunity for them to scam you before or after you leave.
They are ever ready to offer unsolicited help like how you should leave all your belongings for them to sell at the best rates, or how they have multiple uncles and relatives at the place you’re traveling to that can help you find work or accommodation (for a fee, of course).
Pay no attention or money to these people because they just want to take your things and give you stories about your money after you’ve traveled. Also, their relatives might not be real so don’t allow them to run you street.
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Be it family, friends, or strangers, you’ll definitely meet some interesting people when you’re finally Japa-ing. Some will be honestly supportive, some will hate, while some will see it as an opportunity to scam you. But all in all, it’ll be an experience for you.
Join us in the Japa community and tell us more about your experience while travelling abroad. Also, see interesting and funny experiences from other community members, as well as Japa tips that you can learn from.
