Judith Okoli, a Nigerian nurse, has made series of headlines after leaving her nursing job in the United States and relocating permanently to Nigeria in pursuit of a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Her decision comes at a time when many Nigerians are seeking greener pastures abroad but Okoli’s decision has stunned many Nigerian and generate an intent conversations about wealth, happiness, and the true meaning of a good life.
“Everyone is asking me, ‘Why did you leave America? Are you okay? You want to suffer in Nigeria?’” she said in Pidgin English in a heartfelt video shared online. “But I hope you guys know that money is not everything — at least, to some people. At least, to me as well.”
Okoli said her decision to relocate to Nigeria was not a bad one for her but born out of her deep reflection and an increasing awareness that wealth doesn’t always equate to wellness or fulfillment.
“Someone can make N100 but be miserable — insulted at work, restless, disconnected from life. 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 that I wish.”
She emphasized on how the pursuit of economic gain overseas often strips people of the things that matter most — community, connection, and contentment.
“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.”
