In this episode of Our Greener Pastures, we are joined by Tofa, a storyteller at heart who believes deeply in the importance of immigrants sharing their journeys. Tofa opens up about his decision to leave Nigeria in pursuit of freedom and self-discovery—a quest to carve out a life where he could truly be himself. He shares the often-overlooked challenges of adapting to a new culture, from mastering the transit system to embracing the constant drive to seize opportunities by asking, “What’s the next big thing?”
Tofa’s reflections extend into fatherhood and family life, as he discusses the rewarding but demanding journey of parenting. He speaks candidly about learning that there are no shortcuts to being a good parent and the intentional effort it takes to build meaningful connections with his child.
As an immigrant, Tofa has learned the art of patience and self-compassion, embracing his journey without the weight of comparison to others. He emphasizes the importance of staying rooted in one’s heritage and culture, finding strength in his Nigerian roots while navigating his path in a new country. This episode is a profound reflection on resilience, the power of storytelling, and the journey of creating a life that honors both where you come from and where you’re headed.
Wanna share your story on the podcast
On this episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit with Jessica, aka "The Ufoma," who embarked on a transformative journey abroad over a decade ago. Today, she stands as a powerful testament to the impact of audacity and ambition, having carved a niche in the communications field and built a successful travel blog that inspires countless explorers.
Jessica’s story is a celebration of resilience and growth, from adapting to life abroad and pursuing a fulfilling career in communications to managing her blog alongside a demanding full-time job. In this episode, she shares pivotal insights about self-belief and the importance of pursuing your passions. Her advice to aspiring bloggers is practical and motivational, emphasizing persistence, passion, and positivity.
Tune in for an intimate conversation with Jessica, and let her journey inspire you to chase your dreams with confidence and courage. Remember, believing in yourself is the first step to unlocking a world of possibilities.
In this episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit down with Onome, also known as Numzy, to discuss her inspiring journey of relocation, career change, and personal growth. After spending most of her adult life as a banker, Onome made the bold decision to go back to school to study nursing, all while raising her kids. She opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of education and how she remained grounded through it all.
Onome also shares her experience of building a new community of friends in her 30s and the importance of nurturing those relationships, even with the responsibilities of family and school. Whether you're a parent, student, or someone making a major life shift, Onome's story offers valuable insights on resilience, balance, and the power of community.
In this heartfelt episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit down with Dapo, who shares his journey of moving to Canada to pursue a master’s degree in engineering and landing a high-paying job soon after. However, things took a turn when he lost his job due to internal company changes he hadn’t anticipated. During the pandemic, Dapo found himself unemployed for over a year and five months, a challenging period that brought feelings of shame, depression, and uncertainty as his plans unraveled.
Dapo opens up about the valuable lessons he learned during this time—lessons about resilience, self-awareness, and finding strength in unexpected setbacks. He also reflects on the emotional toll of feeling like you're falling behind and how he eventually overcame the mental and emotional challenges that followed.
This episode is a candid exploration of career setbacks, personal growth, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
In this insightful episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit down with Samuel, who shares how a decision made by his parents and aunt to send him to Canada for a second degree transformed his life and career. Samuel discusses how he seized every opportunity, from building strong connections with his lecturers to leveraging his passion for technology and personal growth, which ultimately led to a breakthrough in his career.
His story is a powerful example of how strategic networking and a drive for self-improvement can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Tune in to learn how Samuel navigated his journey, turning challenges into stepping stones, and gain valuable insights on how to harness your own network for career and personal advancement.
Whether you’re passionate about tech or seeking motivation, this episode is filled with inspiring lessons on making the most of your opportunities.
In this compelling episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit down with Yanju, who shares his inspiring journey of perseverance and transformation. Yanju moved to Canada in 2011 to pursue a postgraduate diploma, but tragedy struck the following year when he lost his father. Despite the tough circumstances, he worked tirelessly to remain in the country.
Yanju discusses how a pivotal introduction to business analysis transformed his career path and life. He also shares the struggles of transitioning from a student visa to permanent residency and eventually becoming a Canadian citizen. Along the way, he gained invaluable lessons from those difficult times, which have shaped his success as an entrepreneur.
In this episode, Yanju also dives deep into his business, explaining the what, how, and why behind it, offering insights into his entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to hear about his inspiring path to success and the lessons that continue to guide him today.
In this insightful episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit down with Wura Alese, who shares how her faith played a pivotal role in her relocation journey. From securing a job through networking with a colleague to settling into her new environment, Wura’s story is a testament to the power of divine guidance and trust.
Wura also emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and finding a supportive community. She opens up about how self-reflection helped her navigate the challenges of relocation, developing coping strategies such as cooking more and engaging in activities that promoted her self-growth and well-being.
Whether you're embarking on your own relocation journey or looking for inspiration to enhance your personal development, Wura’s experience offers valuable insights into how faith, community, and self-care can make all the difference in adjusting to new environments. Tune in to hear Wura’s inspiring story of growth and adaptation.
In this moving episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit down with David, who shares his journey of resilience and self-improvement. After leaving for Canada, David faced numerous challenges, including juggling hard labour jobs and pursuing an education. Yet, his determination to create a better life never wavered.
David’s story highlights how reading a lot of self-help/ Motivational books and self-development, paired with a keen ability to seize opportunities, transformed his life. From his early days of navigating hardship to ultimately building a future he’s proud of, David’s journey offers invaluable lessons on perseverance, adaptation, and personal growth. He also hints at how relocation made him lose the love of his life.
Whether you're someone navigating your own path abroad or seeking inspiration to overcome life’s difficulties, David’s experience is a profound reminder of the power of determination and the opportunities that arise when you invest in yourself. Tune in to hear how David's relentless drive turned adversity into a story of triumph.
Nike moved from Nigeria just two weeks after getting married. She shares her journey of navigating a new environment, becoming a mum of two, and finding a balance in the midst of it all.
In this compelling episode of Our Greener Pastures, we delve into the story of Eddy Urua, a former Lagos business owner who took the bold step of starting from zero after moving abroad five years ago. Faced with the daunting challenge of reinventing his career path in a new country, Eddy made the courageous decision to go back to school and pave a new way for himself in the field of cybersecurity.
Join us as Eddy shares his remarkable journey of transition, highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and sheer determination required to start anew and succeed against the odds. From the initial struggles of adjusting to a new educational and professional landscape, to the triumphs of breaking into a highly competitive field, Eddy's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the endless possibilities that come with embracing change.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing the prospect of starting over, whether it's in a new country, career, or any aspect of life. Eddy's insights provide invaluable guidance and inspiration for navigating change, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success on your own terms.
Tune in to learn how Eddy Urua reinvented himself and discovered new opportunities in the world of cybersecurity, proving that it's never too late to start from zero and build a fulfilling new path.
In this inspiring debut episode of Our Greener Pastures, we sit down with Leke, a Nigerian expatriate whose journey abroad is a testament to the transformative power of consistency. Two years ago, Leke embarked on a new chapter of his life, moving abroad and facing the myriad of challenges that come with such a significant change. Through dedication and a steadfast commitment to his goals, Leke has not only mastered his skills but also gained an unwavering confidence in himself and his path.
Join us as Leke shares the compelling story of his journey, highlighting how the simple yet profound practice of consistency has been central to his growth and success. From navigating initial hurdles to establishing routines that anchor his progress, Leke's insights offer valuable lessons on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of small, daily actions in achieving long-term objectives.
Whether you're a Nigerian living abroad, considering a move, or simply seeking motivation to persist in your endeavors, Leke's story is a powerful reminder that consistency is key to unlocking potential and overcoming obstacles. Tune in to discover how embracing consistency can change the trajectory of your life, one day at a time.
Our Greener Pastures is a podcast dedicated to guiding and inspiring Nigerian immigrants as they navigate life in their new countries.
Hosted by Tele Owolabi, the show explores the challenges and triumphs of starting over, offering real stories, practical advice, and a sense of community for those seeking their own greener pastures.
Whether newly arrived or established abroad, this podcast is your go-to resource for making the most of your journey.