Article October 25, 2004 Issue

DON'T CHECK OUT

By Bosede Bakarey

HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME, and from your country? I have. I was widowed with three children to look after. we'd spent all our money during my husband's protracted illness—and my income was meager. We had lost our home and were living with relatives.

At the same time, many of my countrymen were rushing out of Nigeria. Whole families would pack their belongings and "check out," as it was called. Radio and television made efforts to dissuade people from checking out, to help salvage the country. Things looked hopeless.

I'd heard that people were doing well outside Nigeria, so I felt it was wise to seek refuge in another country where I could earn more and start a new life. But I was confused and afraid. Immigrating meant abandoning my job and leaving the children with relatives.