The holiday season is a magical time for many Nigerians in the diaspora. It’s not just about taking a break from work or escaping the cold winters abroad—it’s about coming home. For those who have spent years or even decades living outside the country, the journey back to Nigeria is often filled with anticipation, nostalgia, and a deep sense of belonging. This is the season of homecoming diaries, where stories of family reunions, cultural rediscovery, and personal reflection come alive.
The Call of Home
For 35-year-old Chinedu Okafor, who has lived in Canada for over a decade, returning home to Enugu for the first time in eight years was more than a holiday—it was a pilgrimage. “The moment I stepped off the plane and felt the warm harmattan breeze on my face, I knew I was home,” he said. Chinedu shared how his family welcomed him with open arms, with his mother crying tears of joy as she embraced him at the airport.
“Being back in the village and eating my mum’s oha soup made me realize how much I had missed the little things that define who I am,” he said. Beyond the food and family moments, Chinedu also reconnected with childhood friends and visited ancestral sites he had only seen in pictures.
Reuniting with Family and Friends
For many, homecoming is also about the bonds that time and distance cannot break. Nkechi Adebayo, based in London, said she saved for two years to make the trip to Lagos with her children. “My kids have only heard stories about Nigeria from me. I wanted them to experience it firsthand,” she said.
Her children were thrilled to meet their grandparents, cousins, and other relatives they had only known through video calls. The family took part in local Christmas celebrations, including an elaborate wedding in the village. Nkechi was especially moved by her children’s reactions to the bustling markets, street food vendors, and Yoruba greetings they quickly picked up.
“My daughter said, ‘Mummy, I finally know where I’m from,’ and that was the moment I knew the trip was worth every penny,” Nkechi said.
Rediscovering Culture and Traditions
Homecomings are not just about reconnecting with family—they’re also about rediscovering the cultural wealth of Nigeria. For some, it’s the vibrant festivals, music, and traditional dances. For others, it’s the chance to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s in a way that only Nigerians can—with long church services, late-night parties, and endless plates of jollof rice.
Tunde Balogun, a tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, said his most profound experience during his recent trip to Nigeria was participating in his community’s masquerade festival. “It was surreal,” he said. “I grew up hearing about these masquerades from my dad, but to actually see them in their colorful regalia and hear the traditional drums was something else.”
Tunde also took time to visit historical landmarks in Badagry and Ile-Ife, deepening his understanding of Nigeria’s history and its global significance.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Returning home after years abroad is not without its challenges. The stark contrast between life overseas and in Nigeria can be overwhelming. Traffic jams, power outages, and the hustle and bustle of the markets can take some adjusting. However, for many, these are minor inconveniences compared to the joy of being home.
“This is home, with all its imperfections,” said Adaora Eze, who traveled from South Africa with her husband and two children. “It reminds me of who I am, where I come from, and why I work so hard.”
A Renewed Connection
For Nigerians in the diaspora, the journey back home is more than a vacation—it’s a reconnection with their roots. It’s an opportunity to share their lives abroad with their families back home and to ensure that the younger generation understands where they come from.
As the holiday season unfolds, airports across the country will continue to witness the emotional reunions of families and friends. Each homecoming diary is a testament to the enduring ties that bind Nigerians to their homeland, no matter where in the world they reside.
As Nkechi summed it up: “There’s no place like home. And no matter how far we go, Nigeria will always be in our hearts.”
