Nigerian Nurse Leaves U.S. Career Behind, Returns Home, Says “Money Isn’t Everything”

Judith Okoli, a Nigerian nurse who built her career in the United States, recently made a bold and unconventional choice , she gave it all up to return to Nigeria for good. Her decision has sparked a wave of discussion among Nigerians at home and abroad.

In a heartfelt video shared online, Okoli explained the reasoning behind her move. Contrary to the popular “Japa” trend ,where Nigerians seek greener pastures in countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK , she decided to take the road less traveled: going back home.

“People keep asking me, ‘Why would you leave America? Are you okay?’” she said. Her answer was simple but powerful: life is more than just money or status in a foreign land.

For Okoli, the pursuit of peace, emotional wellbeing, and time with family outweighs any paycheck abroad. “You can earn a hundred dollars overseas and still be miserable,” she said. “Meanwhile, someone earning fifty back home might be genuinely happy.”

She spoke openly about the toll that life abroad can take , the emotional distance, the broken family ties, the loneliness. “Look at what the Western lifestyle is doing to us,” she said. “One sibling is in Germany, another in Canada, another in Dubai. Families are scattered, and some haven’t seen each other in years.”

Okoli believes the price of success abroad often includes isolation and stress, things she’s no longer willing to accept. Her decision to return was made after deep reflection, driven by a desire to reconnect with her roots and live a more meaningful life.

She also shared her weariness with the constant pressure and fast-paced grind of life in the West. In her view, happiness is found in balance, not in chasing money endlessly.

Her story has resonated with many online , some applauding her bravery, others questioning her choice. Yet, her message is clear: fulfillment doesn’t always come with a foreign address.

By choosing to come back home, Okoli hopes to inspire others to rethink what it means to live a good life. For her, true wealth lies in peace of mind, emotional health, and being close to the people you love.

Judith Okoli’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t one-size-fits-all , and sometimes, going home is the greatest step forward.