Many are fleeing the country to seek greener pastures in the Western world.

But Nigerian-American millennial, Didi Ajayi, actually did the opposite – she gave up a comfortable life in the United States to move back to Nigeria.

I recently caught up with her for a quick chat about her journey, and boy did she drop some gems! We all could learn a thing or two from her willingness to embrace the unknown to find a unique path for herself.

 Read and be inspired.

BACKGROUND

Tell us about yourself

My name is Didi. By profession, I’m a lawyer.

I attended the University of Georgia where I got a degree in Psychology, and went on to Law school, and I got my JD.  And then I moved back to Nigeria and went to Nigerian Law school and became a barrister at Law after doing the bar exam here. Then I started practicing.

I worked at a law firm here in Nigeria, but recently became an entrepreneur – I co-own a legal consulting start-up company. In my spare time I like to blog. Before I moved to Nigeria I had a natural hair blog that I was really into. And after I moved back to Nigeria I kinda wanted to document my experiences living in Nigeria, so I started a vlog series about this. I wish I knew the things that I know now, before I moved back. Like things I could have avoided or known about how to make my transition easier. I wanted to do the vlog for people in diaspora, who are considering moving back. Showing them what living here is like. Although there are some bad sides, there are lots of good sides, and that’s the reason why I’m still here.

Why did you move back to Nigeria despite having an amazing life in the US?

Although I’m American and grew up in the US, I was actually born in Nigeria.

My dad lives here, and half of my siblings grew up here in Nigeria. When I lived abroad, I used to spend some of my vacation time here in Nigeria.

Every time I visited, I really enjoyed my stay, and I saw that there was potential here even though some people didn’t really this. I would say I moved back because I’m a bit idealistic. Some people usually say I’m a bit too optimistic.

I had always been interested in moving back home. So my dad suggested that while attending Law school in Nigeria, if I was really interested in testing the waters and working here, I could look for internships at law firms and just see how it goes.

As fate would have it, I eventually ended up working at the law firm I interned at. I enjoyed my experience so I thought that since I had worked in the US, there was no reason why I could not do that here.

I think there’s something interesting about working in a developing county where everything hasn’t fully developed. You can actually be a pioneer and make you own stuff here, whereas in the US it’s a lot harder to do so.  Here, there aren’t as many obstacles if you want to establish yourself.  Also, there’s some certain level of comfort just knowing that I have family and people here that I really didn’t have in the US. Even though my mom and my sister are still in America, I decided to move back.

THE MOVE

On challenges experienced when she first moved back

I had so many! I think my moving back experience was kind of different from a lot of people that moved back here, as most were probably doing their NYSC.

In my own case, I moved back and went to law school in Abuja. I had never gone to to boarding school or anything. So being at the law school felt like living on campus for the first time, which was very different. It almost felt like I was going to high school not even college. I felt trapped at some point.

I was so used to having internet. On the first day I came into the country, I used up all my data because everything was running, all my apps etc.  So I had to get used to that.

I was pretty much used to the people in a sense because I was coming home during vacation. But when I started working here,  I didn’t realize that co-workers and people in general, would could care so much about details about your personal life. This took some getting used to, as I was accustomed to being a lot more private about intimate details about my life. It was a norm for me to keep my personal life very separate from my work life.

Those were the things that I think were the biggest things I had to get used to when I came back.

Making friends

I moved back in my late 20’s. I think that when you get older you are kind of like at this place in your life where you know what you want, and the kind of friends you need in your life. So making friends just becomes a lot harder and a lot of people have their own social circles so it was hard to integrate people’s social circles.

When I was going back to school, I found out that a lot of people were younger than me. People are taking that step earlier in Nigeria, unlike in the US. I worked before I went to the Law school in the US. So making friends was a bit of a challenge.

I think growing up in the US, the culture is a bit more open. You have more people opening up, sharing and talking. Just generally being ourselves. This is kind of the reverse in Nigeria – which kind of  felt weird. I find out that as women here in Nigeria, we have to be a bit more guarded and less open. When I first encountered this, I didn’t like that feeling. But luckily I found friends who I could be myself with. It took a lot of time but I eventually figured it out.

On meeting the love of her life

In terms of dating, it’s funny because I met my husband basically the first day at school. So I didn’t really do much of dating.

I feel like my mom and aunties use me as an example to their friend’s daughters. They are like “do what DIDI did, move back, you will find your husband” lol.

I don’t know if it was luck or God because I totally didn’t see this coming.

The highest point of moving back

Definitely, meeting my husband was my highest point of moving back, I definitely would have never met him without moving back because he has actually never been to the US. He grew up in the UK.

I think that moving back made me discover certain aspects of my character – this is like the most adventurous thing I have ever done. It made me step out of my comfort zone in a way I was never capable of. I was always that type of person that when there’s a road map set, I follow the road map. E.g: Go to college, go to graduate school, work, get a job… and that would have been my story till the end of my life.

When I applied to Law school, I had no vision of the future. I just knew that I wanted to do this and see where it goes. My move back showed me that I am adaptable and that sometimes, you do have to step out. And sometimes a risk is worth it in order to get a bigger reward.

Also, it challenged me to have to step out in order to make major changes. It convinced me that no matter what the situation may be, I do have the capacity to make it, and even thrive.

ADAPTING

On getting used to Nigerian currency

I had to first of all, stop thinking in dollars. I used to convert everything into Naira, thinking everything was cheap. But the reality was that I wasn’t earning money in dollars, especially when the exchange rate changed.

I had just started working and the salary just wasn’t adding up to what I was earning in the US. In the beginning of 2017, I had to try to figure things out. I had to be a lot more economical and I realized that this was why everyone seemed to have a side hustle.

I realize that if you are doing only one thing, it’s kind of difficult to survive –  and not only just surviving, but being able to afford some luxuries in life.

I feel like that’s why people have other avenues of income streams, especially if you are employed by someone else. It made me hustle more.

The currency difference made me be more economical in my purchasing choices.

Driving

I was really scared when I first started driving in Lagos. In Abuja, it was quite easier because the road was wider, but Lagos was scary. So what my parents did was to get our gate man to teach me how to drive from home to work and he taught me different routes. He drove like a Danfo driver so the driving was a bit aggressive, but he also gave me different safety tips.  The next week, I drove by myself, and I was literally holding my breath because I was really wondering what I would do if something bad happened. But soon, I adapted just fine.

LEISURE

How she lets her hair down
I feel like Lagosians, out of all Nigerians like to have variety I n terms of having places to go, what to do, things to do.  What I do for fun depends on my circle. Sometimes we go clubbing. I am kind of nerdy so I may just visit the museum,  but I haven’t found a friend who would want to go, so I just go there myself.

I love nature, I feel like I have gone to the Lekki conservation center too many times. I love travelling – I’m from Awka Ibom state originally, so I will just go there or go to Port Harcourt in my spare time.

I like writing, reading and watching movies.  My husband likes to play football so I will go and watch him play sometimes. I also like to do fun fitness classes and activities

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

On what advice she would give young women who want to own their own businesses

I am still at the inception stage of my business, so I try to have extra money saved up so that I can withstand not having money for a long time.

I have a partner so we work as a team. It is challenging when you first start out for sure.  Even if you are working, you keep asking yourself, “where am I gonna get the time and the money to grow this business and also get clientele?”

My advice would be for you to just take on what you can handle and try to do it to the best of your ability. Do your works so well that people would be so impressed by the the standard and quality of your work , that they will keep coming back to you.

You also need to network. You have to get to know people and show them what you are capable of. Sometimes it may take offering services for free or discounted rates so that they can know who you are and see what you can offer, and then you can go from there.

CULTURE

Her thoughts on being a Black, African woman in Nigeria Vs. in America

Being a Nigerian woman in the US, I was relating with more White people, so I didn’t necessarily have an African experience – I had more of a Black American experience.

I would say that one of the major differences is that in the US, no one was really asking me about my personal life except my parents.  There wasn’t that much pressure socially.  But when I moved to Nigeria, there was a huge difference. I found that people just wanted to pry into your personal life, and I’m like “why are we having these conversations? Why am I being treated differently when I am single compared to when I’m married?”

When I got married, I was getting questions like “When are you having a child?”  It was very weird that people that are not close to you are coming to you to ask such a question.

Certain words and actions people expressed when I first moved back to Nigeria, made me feel like women were not valued in the society.

Advice on moving back to Nigeria

1. Do your research, we are fortunate to have Internet access and you have Google. Also, reach out to people who have moved back. Visit before moving back.
2. Your mindset would determine how this goes for you. In addition to having a positive outlook, you also have to be quite open to possibilities.
3. Have fun. Try and enjoy it. Meet and mingle with people you probably normally wouldn’t interact with. Live in the moment.

Connect with Didi on social media (@afrocurlitan):

Youtube

Twitter

Instagram

The post How Didi Ajayi’s Move Back to Nigeria from America Changed Her Life Forever appeared first on Queen moremi.

Faith isn’t a shield that guarantees safety. But faith is an anchor in these storms. Even when gunfire and terror seem to win, God is not absent. We are reminded that God walks with His people — not to eliminate pain immediately, but to carry them through it with purpose and presence. The families and communities affected are not headlines; they are human beings living through fear no one should ever know. Their cries are not “content” for the internet; they are calls for mercy, for justice, and for God’s intervention.

As we watch these tragedies unfold, we cannot look away. Our response must go beyond sadness. We can pray earnestly — for comfort, for protection, for justice, for peace. And even when we feel powerless, we can choose to carry these stories in our hearts intentionally: speaking their names in prayer, refusing to let their pain become “normal,” and holding space for national lament. Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is stay spiritually awake, to mourn with those who mourn, to refuse silence, and to continually call on God to intervene where human strength has failed.

And in all of this, hold tightly to this truth: God has not forgotten Nigeria. He has not forgotten His people. Even in the midst of violence, He is near to the brokenhearted and gathers every tear. This season may feel heavy, but it will not have the final say. There is still hope. There is still God. And there is still a future He is shaping for us because God never abandons His people in their fear, their mourning, or their confusion, even if right now all we can do is trust Him through the ache.

The post Christians in Nigeria: Holding On in Fearful Times appeared first on Queen moremi.

According to multiple reports, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has prepared three escalating operational plans — “light,” “medium,” and “heavy” — that could include support for Nigerian forces, drone strikes, or even full-scale military deployment.

In response, the Nigerian government rejected Trump’s claims. It stressed that violence in Nigeria affects people of all faiths and said it remains committed to religious tolerance. Nigerian officials also emphasised that any foreign military operation would require its consent to preserve national sovereignty.

Analysts warn that while the rhetoric is serious, actual U.S. military intervention is unlikely without a coordinated Nigerian agreement. They also note that oversimplifying Nigeria’s complex security challenges — which span insurgency, communal conflict, and economic instability — into a purely religious narrative is both inaccurate and risky.

Still, the questions hang heavy: What would U.S. involvement mean for Nigeria’s sovereignty? Could it bring real change, or just add more pressure? As debates continue, one truth remains clear — the world is watching, and so are Nigerians, waiting to see what unfolds next.

The post Trump’s Military Threat to Nigeria Raises Global Tension appeared first on Queen moremi.

And we, the consumers of brand Nigeria, demand a change in policies that blatantly disregard the value of human lives. On this Independence Day, it cannot be business as usual.

The news about the death of ARISE News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, as a result of an armed robbery attack, is devastating.

Yes, armed robbery doesn’t just happen in Nigeria. It happens all over the world. That’s not the point. The point is this: the long-standing culture of hospitals in Nigeria rejecting patients in critical condition must stop. That rejection — not the robbery itself — ultimately cost her life.

We are tired of the endless press statements from our government officials. We are tired of the glossy recounting of “successes” each Independence Day. Yes, there have been milestones over the years – but no milestone can ever compare to the sanctity of human life.

So, on this Independence Day, I ask myself: what exactly is the Nigerian dream that is frequently packaged, marketed, and sold to us – and what is the reality we live in?

God bless Nigeria.

Rest in Peace, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

The post Nigeria at 65: A Call for Accountability appeared first on Queen moremi.

The initiative focuses on key areas like maternal and newborn care, menstrual equity, nutrition, access to the health workforce, and harnessing tech and innovation for scalable solutions. At its core, RenewHER wants to bring together government, private sector, and everyday citizens to create lasting change in how women’s health is prioritised in Nigeria.

To officially launch this vision, the RenewHER Gala is happening on September 11, 2025, at the Statehouse Banquet Hall in Abuja. It won’t just be a night of glitz but a gathering of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who believe women’s health deserves the national spotlight. Expect a presidential keynote, cultural performances, the unveiling of a new Women’s Health Nigeria digital hub and magazine, and the first-ever RenewHER campaign film. Awards will also be given to health innovators making a difference, alongside a powerful national pledge moment to commit to this movement.

RenewHER is more than an event. It’s a call to action, an intentional step to ensure that women’s health is not left behind but placed at the centre of the nation’s growth story. And September 11 marks just the beginning of that journey.

The post RenewHER: Nigeria’s New Initiative Putting Women’s Health First appeared first on Queen moremi.

At the just-concluded TICAD9 (Tokyo International Conference on African Development), Japan surprised many by naming Kisarazu — a coastal town about an hour from Tokyo — the official hometown for Nigerians. This isn’t just symbolic. It comes with special visa perks for Nigerian students, professionals, artisans, and even blue-collar workers keen to upskill.

So, why Kisarazu? The city already shares a history with Nigeria, as it was the training ground for Team Nigeria ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Now, it’s ready to open its doors even wider.

What makes this move meaningful is the intentional spirit behind it. Japan isn’t just offering visas, it’s extending a piece of itself. Kisarazu is becoming a hub for people-to-people exchanges, cultural connections, and mutual growth.

Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, also unveiled a bold $5.5 billion investment plan for Africa during TICAD9, emphasising the need for collaboration in business, youth empowerment, and regional integration, all rooted in the idea of mutual discovery.

And for those wondering: the Nigerian delegation didn’t just attend the ceremony — presidential aides Bayo Onanuga and Temitope Ajayi toured Kisarazu right after, bringing home both the certificate and the warmth of the city.

This matters because Kisarazu offers real opportunities. Nigerians with technical, creative, or vocational skills can pursue meaningful work there. The city itself is known for its coastal charm, strong infrastructure, access to education and healthcare, and affordability compared to Tokyo. It’s a place where Nigerians can live, work, and thrive while belonging to a community that now sees them as family.

This isn’t just about opportunity, it’s a soft handshake across continents, wrapped in city lights and cultural exchange. Kisarazu now stands as a real place where Nigerians can both learn and belong.

The post Kisarazu Becomes the Official Hometown for Nigerians in Japan appeared first on Queen moremi.

From about 73 million Christians in 2010 to over 105 million in 2024, the numbers don’t lie. But the real story isn’t just about how many people believe. It’s about how they believe. And how they’re living it — loudly, publicly, and yes, digitally.

Because today, Christianity in Nigeria isn’t just what happens inside a church building. It’s what’s being streamed at 7 am on a weekday. It’s what’s going viral on TikTok. It’s what someone sends you on WhatsApp when you’re having a rough day.

Sunday Morning Looks Different Now

For years, attending church in Nigeria meant putting on your best lace, packing your Bible, and heading out with the family. That hasn’t changed. But now, for many, it also means watching from a phone, dropping fire emojis during worship, and screen-grabbing scriptures mid-sermon.

And honestly? That flexibility has opened up faith to more people. Especially young people. Especially those in the diaspora. Especially those who might have felt like outsiders in traditional settings.

The Digital Church Is Real

Churches are now streaming services like full productions. Think video mixers, LED screens, team members working behind the scenes like it’s a live show, because it is. Ministries like NSPPD, led by Pastor Jerry Eze, pull in hundreds of thousands of viewers daily not for gossip, not for trends, but to pray.

Meanwhile, platforms like Dove TV, Emmanuel TV, and ACNN continue to hold space on TV and online. These channels helped pave the way for the livestreams and Instagram sermons we see today.

Worship, But Make It Wireless

What started as a lockdown necessity during the pandemic is now a full-blown movement. From Lagos to London, you can join a Nigerian worship service, testify in the comments, and feel like you’re right there, no matter where you are.

This is what Christianity in Nigeria looks like today: not just sacred, but shared. Not just spiritual, but streamed.

And while some may debate the aesthetics — ring lights, hashtags, digital pulpits — one thing is clear: Nigerians aren’t shy about their faith. They never were. They’re just finding new ways to show it.

Credit: TechCabal’s original reporting on this topic helped inform this piece.

The post Why Nigeria May Be Africa’s Most Christian Country appeared first on Queen moremi.

Time waits for no one, you have to decide your future now.

I just had this epiphany and had to share with you guys. Here are 5 important things you should know in your 20s:

Know yourself
You might ask me, what’s there to know about myself – right? Well my dear, I’m still getting to know myself, it is a gradual process. Know who you are. What you stand for, your values, your temperament, your hobbies, and skills, then define who YOU are. 

It’s important to know who you are, and clearly articulate that to yourself, and stand proudly and confident in your individuality. If you do not do this, then chances are, you will let the world define who you are, which could lead to self-esteem issues.

If I give you a piece of paper, for instance, to write in one sentence about yourself, what would you write? Who would you say you are? Know yourself! 

Learn a skill
Don’t limit yourself to your formal education. Learn a skill and become a master at it. Practice makes perfect. Once you are confident in said skill, then find ways to monetize it. Secure that bag girl!

Avoid meaningless relationships
Any relationship that will not add value to your life, just cut it off. Whether it’s romantic relationships, friendships, or certain overly toxic family members. Don’t waste your precious time on people who have clearly shown that they are bound to sabotage your future in one way or another. 

Don’t be a people pleaser
No matter how nice you are, there will always be people who will not like you, and that is not your business. If you want to grow in life, you can’t continue to please everybody. 

Stay true to yourself
It’s okay to admire others but let it end there, don’t start imitating their lifestyle or wanting to be like them. Every woman is unique in her own way. Going back to my first point: Know yourself! List all the good things you like about yourself and start loving them.

Staying true to oneself can be difficult especially as most women in this era try so hard to follow the trend and impress the world. But take this from me:

• You won’t die if your make up is not on fleek.

• You can slay without wearing designers outfits.

• Your hair will still look beautiful whether it’s natural or relaxed

• If you don’t have the latest phone, it doesn’t make you less of a human being

Staying true to yourself means accepting who you are, living within your means and becoming the person version of yourself.

Can I get an Amen?

Photo Credit: thetruemetalmaniac

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According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buhari defeated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and other presidential candidates with over 15,191,847 votes, winning in 19 of the states.

The post Buhari Wins Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential Elections appeared first on Queen moremi.

In my opinion, Nigeria has a male-dominated society where women are subordinate, and not valued the way they ought to be. Whether rich or poor, urban or rural, educated or un-educated, we all still face the same issues. Here are some of the areas that give me cause for concern regarding this:

Marriage
Although, marriage is a highly valued institution in the country, the onus of making a marriage successful  seems to fall on women alone. Nigerian women sacrifice so much to keep the sanctity of marriage in order to avoid rebuke and dishonor, and the disgrace of divorce. This pressure is especially intense with millennial brides, as they do not want to bring shame to their families as newlyweds. Last I checked, marriage was a union between two people. So why don’t we have the same expectations for the husbands? Why does all the burden of making a marriage succesful tend to fall on the wife?

Housing
Getting an apartment as a single woman is a nightmare. Many landlords don’t want to rent out their apartment because they feel that a single female living alone is most likely a prostitute, or may owe rent because it is assumed that they aren’t financially secure.

Career
After a certain age as a woman, it is incredibly difficult to find a decent job, as it is assumed that the older you are, the more likely you are to get married, get pregnant, have a child, and have less time to dedicate to your job. So if you are a millennial woman in your early to mid 30s you’ve got tough luck in the job market! Hmmmph.

Domestic Violence
Is it just me or are the reports of domestic violence seemingly rising these days? There are so many stories of domestic violence. Increasingly, these have led to the death of the victims. And in most cases, these are actually moms or wives.

***

God bless Nigeria! I love my country. But the way we treat our women needs to change! Only then can we truly celebrate independence – independence from sexism and misogyny.

The post A Nigerian Female Millennial’s Reflections on Independence appeared first on Queen moremi.