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James Adeshola Chukwudi will never forget the night he sat on the edge of his single bed in Mushin, Lagos, his eyes heavy with disappointment. Immigration documents were scattered across the table. His small rechargeable lamp flickered. The PHCN light was gone, the gen had no fuel, and his laptop battery was down to 7%.
He had done everything right — passed his IELTS after two tries, evaluated his degree through WES, filled out his EOI on SkillSelect, and applied to over 50 job listings on Australian boards. Yet, nothing. Not a single invitation. Just rejection emails and silence.
“I don tire,” he whispered to himself. “Maybe this Australia thing no be for me.”
He had started with so much hope. A better life in Australia. Clean streets. Steady light. A job that pays you what you’re worth. Safety. Dignity. Peace of mind. But now, that dream felt like a heavy suitcase he couldn’t carry anymore.
Then, something happened.
Just as he was about to shut everything down, he received a voice note from his cousin Amarachi in Adelaide.
“James, I know this journey dey tough,” she said in that calm, soothing tone only Amarachi had. “But you’re too close to quit now. You don try, bros. Just hold on small.”
Those words hit James differently. Not because they were magical, but because they came from someone who had been there. Someone who had once sat in the same Lagos room, with the same doubt in her chest.
You’re too close to quit now.
That night, James didn’t sleep. He picked up his pen and rewrote his Statement of Purpose. He sent a follow-up email to a potential sponsor in Brisbane. He registered for a free migration webinar and even updated his LinkedIn profile with a new headline: “Skilled Civil Engineer | Open to Opportunities in Australia.”
A month later, he received a pre-invite from the state of Victoria. A few weeks after that, he got the full nomination.
Today, James Adeshola Chukwudi lives in a modest apartment in Canberra. He’s working part-time while studying, learning how to barbecue like an Aussie, and taking long evening walks without the fear of “oga police” or okada noise. It’s not perfect, but it’s peaceful — and it’s his.
He still remembers that night in Mushin. The night he almost gave up.
If you’re reading this and you feel like James — overwhelmed, frustrated, and tired — please, don’t give up. Rest if you must. Cry if you need to. But don’t throw away your dream. You don’t know how close you are to that one “yes” that changes everything.
Australia may not be heaven, but it can be a fresh start. And if James could make it, you can too.
Have you started your Australia japa journey? Are you stuck or need help? Share your story in the comments.
Let’s support each other. Like James, you may be just one decision away from your breakthrough.
Helpful Resource Links for Nigerians Migrating to Australia
Visa and Immigration
- Australian Department of Home Affairs – Visa Finder
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Global Talent Visa Program
