Jack’s Japa Empowerment - Diaspora Handbook

235. WILL YOU CONSIDER ADOPTION? https://amzn.to/4qhXMwB We also monetise through promoting 3rd party products and services via Affiliate Marketing Links. This is accomplished without additional cost to you. In our culture, bloodlines and family names are extremely important. However, living abroad forces us to reconsider some of these notions. Adoption is a loving act, not a shameful one. It's about providing a child with a home, stability, and a shot at life. Adoption in the United Kingdom is well-structured, acknowledged, and supported. So, the question is, will you think about it? Because sometimes the voyage of Japa opens your eyes to possibilities that you might have overlooked back home. Adoption is typically frowned upon by couples battling with infertility in Nigeria. People whisper, families resist, and many would rather suffer silently than be labelled as raising "someone else's child." However, the culture here differs. Adoption is seen as noble, not ...

233. WILL JAPA SOLVE ALL YOUR PROBLEMS? https://amzn.to/4qhXMwB We also monetise through promoting 3rd party products and services via Affiliate Marketing Links. This is accomplished without additional cost to you. For many Nigerians, Japa represents the ultimate solution to all of life's problems. You hear stories about brighter pastures, better chances, and a life where things "just work." But let's be clear: Japa is not magic. It will not fix all of your problems. In fact, it may provide you with unexpected obstacles. It provides you with a new environment and new opportunities; nevertheless, how you use those opportunities is entirely up to you. When you go abroad, you rapidly realise that the bills are serious. Rent, council tax, energy, transport and food are all accounted for. If you do not plan ahead of time, you will be surprised at how rapidly money evaporates. Back home, you may have survived on small money because of family networks and cheaper costs....

231. WILL YOU PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR APPEARANCE? https://amzn.to/4qhXMwB Appearance matters everywhere, but in the UK, it can shape the way people treat you, long before you open your mouth. Nigerians are naturally vibrant people—we love our bold fashion, bright colours, and statement styles. But here, you must learn to balance self-expression with context. In professional settings, appearance is not about vanity. It is about respect, confidence, and presentation. The way you dress can either open doors or quietly shut them before you even get a chance to prove yourself. If you want to Japa successfully, paying attention to your appearance is not optional—it is part of the strategy. The first step is hygiene. This may sound obvious, but it is worth emphasising. Cleanliness, neatness, and a tidy presentation carry a lot of weight in the UK. Even if your clothes are not expensive, they must be neat and appropriate. Wrinkled clothes, unkempt hair, or a shabby look can create an impres...

229. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE UK AND ENGLAND https://amzn.to/4qhXMwB Many Nigerians confuse "the UK" with "England," which, while connected, are not the same thing. Understanding the differences is critical if you intend to visit Japan or if you already reside here and want to appear knowledgeable. The UK refers to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. England is only one of them, albeit the largest in terms of population and importance. So, when you say, "I'm going to England," you're referring to a specific country within the UK. However, when you say "I'm going to the UK," you may be referring to any of the four. The politics of identity here is very strong. Someone from Scotland may not appreciate being called “ English.” They are Scottish, full stop. The same goes for people in Wales and Northern Ireland. For them, the differ...