A Canada-based Nigerian, Omolabake Adeyemo, has said one of the biggest advantages of living in Canada is the ability to access opportunities without relying on political connections, influential contacts or ethnic affiliations.
Adeyemo, in a Facebook post that has generated reactions online, contrasted her experience in Canada with the situation in Nigeria, arguing that merit and competence are more likely to determine success in the North American country.
The Nigerian migrant said she was able to build a stable life because public institutions function effectively and opportunities are accessible to those who meet the requirements.
According to her, “I don’t need to know a senator, minister, general, governor, or chairman before believing I can access opportunities.”
She added, “I got the opportunity to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces without age discrimination, tribalism, godfatherism, or knowing any top military officer. I simply applied, met the requirements, and got in.”
Adeyemo also highlighted the social welfare benefits available to families, noting that she enjoyed paid maternity leave while her husband received paid paternity leave.
“Canada doesn’t care about me but I get two full paid maternity leaves of 46 weeks and my hubby got fully paid two cycles of eight weeks paternity leave,” she wrote.
She further praised the country’s healthcare system, recalling how emergency responders saved her life after a serious road accident.
“I had a ghastly road accident, emergency and paramedics came to my rescue. I got urgent medical attention, was followed up on all required tests and checks and I’m only alive today because of the excellent healthcare system this country boasts of,” she stated.
The Canada-based Nigerian said security and public safety were among the factors that have improved her quality of life since relocating abroad.
“Canada doesn’t care about me but I get to sleep well at night. I can drive at wee hours of the day and not be bothered about kidnapping or theft,” she said.
She also pointed to what she described as a fairer society where children can pursue their ambitions regardless of family background.
“Canada doesn’t care about me, but I can confidently tell my children that if they work hard, there is a reasonable chance their efforts will be rewarded,” she said.
“My children can aspire to become anything they want without being told their gender or background should determine the size of their dreams.”
Adeyemo lamented what she described as persistent governance challenges in Nigeria, including insecurity, poor infrastructure, corruption and inadequate public services.
“Canada doesn’t care about me, but hard work, qualifications and competence often matter more than who my father is, who I know, or what tribe I belong to,” she wrote.
She added, “I am not constantly exhausted by bad governance. I am not spending every day figuring out how to replace services that government should already provide.”
Questioning claims that life abroad is difficult for most migrants, Adeyemo maintained that many Nigerians who relocate are better off despite the sacrifices involved.
“Who are these lots who make up stories like this? Who tells this one that everyone is suffering abroad?” she asked.
“Many people made relocation moves selling everything to start from the ground up, but they can at least sleep well at night. They’re indeed better off.”
She concluded by criticising the state of public services in Nigeria and questioning what benefits ordinary citizens derive from the country’s vast resources.
“I ask again, what has Nigeria — the supposed caring country — done for the poor man? List just one thing,” she said.
A Canada-based Nigerian, Omolabake Adeyemo, has sparked conversations on social media after highlighting what she described as the opportunities and quality of life available abroad, saying success in Canada is not determined by political connections, tribal affiliations, or personal influence.
In a Facebook post that has attracted reactions online, Adeyemo compared her experiences in Canada with the realities faced by many Nigerians, arguing that merit and competence are more valued in the North American country.
According to her, one of the most significant differences is the ability to access opportunities without knowing influential figures in government or other sectors.
“I don’t need to know a senator, minister, general, governor, or chairman before believing I can access opportunities,” she wrote.
The Nigerian-born resident recounted how she was able to join the Canadian Armed Forces without facing what she described as age discrimination, tribalism, godfatherism, or favoritism.
“I simply applied, met the requirements, and got in,” she stated, adding that hard work, qualifications and competence often matter more than family background or personal connections.
Adeyemo also cited access to paid maternity and paternity leave, healthcare services, public education, child benefits, security, and functioning public institutions as some of the factors that have improved her family’s quality of life since relocating.
She argued that many Nigerians who relocate abroad may face initial challenges but are often rewarded with a system that allows them to plan for the future, build wealth and raise their children in a more stable environment. Adeyemo further criticised governance challenges in Nigeria, including insecurity, poor infrastructure, irregular power supply and limited social support systems, questioning what benefits ordinary citizens derive from the country’s vast resources.
