DESPERATE JOURNEY- BY ABOLORE YUSHAB

“Life can be a constant battle, a struggle against circumstances that seem insurmountable. As I sit here, engulfed in the turmoil of my thoughts, I cannot help but ponder on my desire to leave Nigeria in search of greener pastures. Is this another great mistake of my life? I recall the times when desperation drove me to run away from home, seeking survival on the streets of Lagos. Those were dark days, filled with inner turmoil and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.

The pressures that weighed upon my shoulders were not just with regards to my immediate circumstances or personal grievances against my parents. This struggle was larger than myself. My society demanded more from me as a man each passing day, and peer pressures relentlessly gnawed at my soul. Nigeria, my beloved country, seemed to be failing me, leaving me disillusioned and empty-handed. I found myself trapped, suffocating in a cycle of despair, with nowhere to turn to.

Unlike some, I was not born into a life of privilege. I have known the absence of a silver spoon, and I carry within me a burning desire for more. Not just for my own sake, but for the sake of my children. I yearn for them to experience a life far removed from the hardships I have encountered. I want them to proudly declare themselves as the offspring of a prosperous man. No, I refuse to let them pen down a similar article in the future, for their journeys deserve to be fueled by ambition rather than desperation.

And so, in the face of nakba, I have made a decision - to embark on a journey, the consequences of which I cannot foresee. What some may label as desperation, I consider as a mere journey. I am prepared to take the risks required for success, knowing that failure may be lurking in the shadows. But if failure does find me, let it be said that I dared to try.

If success becomes my ally, let it be a testament to the strength that comes from taking those dirty, difficult steps towards progress. Let my story serve as a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable if we dare to dream and act upon those dreams. Let my journey be an inspiration to others, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

To my loved ones, I urge you to remember that if I falter in this quest, it is not your failure but mine. Do not judge me or my children by my inability to achieve great heights. Instead, remember that I fought, hustled, and struggled to make something meaningful of my life. Even if I do not have tangible evidence to prove my accomplishments, let my unwavering spirit be my legacy.”

To those who find themselves at a crossroads, contemplating their own journeys, heed my words - it is your choice to take the risk for success. For what is life but a series of chances to make our dreams come true? You may accept the uncertainty, for it is within the unknown that greatness lies.

Through persistence, resilience, and staunch determination, let us rise above the challenges that life presents. Let us embark on our own journeys, defying the odds and redefining our destinies. The journey may be arduous, but within its trials and tribulations lies the potential for greatness. So take that leap of faith, my friends, and accept the journey that beckons you. 

DESPERATE JOURNEY

Written & Composed By:

YUSHAB A. AYOMIDE