Free Funds? 2 Nigerians On Funds From The Canadian Government

Nigerians in Canada Spilling The Tea

JapaContent had a quick chat with a couple of Nigerians who went to Canada through the Canadian Express Entry path to becoming a permanent resident and what the experience has been.

I have heard so many great stories of people from all over the world, not just Nigerians talking about the enviable benefits they now have and enjoy as permanent residents of Canada. From great maternity benefits with maternity leave that can last for as long as 78 weeks, funds from the government to help residents, great health benefits, great employment opportunities and so much more.

They paint such a pretty picture of the country, the government and the benefits and well, it was only right to talk to some of these Nigerians and have them share their journey, experiences and much talked about benefits and how Canada is treating them.

Olasunkanmi 

Hi, my name is Olasina Olasunkanmi, you can also call me Sunkanmi.  I’m currently in Canada. I left Nigeria because I was tired and I wanted better for myself. it wasn’t easy for me to leave Nigeria because I would say, you know, embracing change Is never an easy thing to do so it wasn’t for me. Although I’ll say I paced myself and that was because I came to Canada through the express entry for skilled workers or professionals. 

I enrolled on this program in 2019 and I had to wait for two years before I got my PR(permanent residence) and I travelled this year.

Things I think most people should know before leaving is that it is always better out there, I mean, if you are looking at places like Canada for example, it is always a better option for you.

You need to know you have to challenge yourself, like I said, leaving where you are used to, where your friends are, leaving your family members, you are leaving practically everything that you know to an unknown place, you are not familiar with the weather,  you’re not well adapted to a lot of things.

So it’s not going to be an easy thing to do but you need to challenge yourself, you need to push yourself and know exactly why you’re travelling.

Another thing you need to know is, you need to know exactly why you’re travelling. If the only reason you have is that you’re tired, trust me, it’s enough to push you through. 

Trust me, you also need to know that the Naira is useless regardless of how much you are currently earning. I don’t care how much you are earning, it is a useless currency. 

You should also know that you have to put in a lot of work. You’ll get a great job, but you have to put in the work. I got a good job when I came here, after 3 months, like a very good, trust me when I say a very good job, and I’m just six months in Canada. I mean, that shows you the opportunities that are available here. If you push to be a better version of yourself.

 I will only return to Nigeria to visit not to stay. I left for a reason and it’s still the same Nigeria I left so I don’t see myself coming anytime soon.

In Canada, things are a lot easier, there’s a structure and things actually work. I have received close to $1000 from the government for just existing in less than 6 months. I mean, they call it GST and then something something weather allowance, I don’t care, I collected the money.

The things I like about this place are, I can take walks without fear, and I don’t worry about basic amenities. You’ll pay tax though, you’ll pay but it’s worth it. 

Currently, I am a senior manager industry marketing for health economics and outcomes research. I am a trained pharmacist from Nigeria and I had worked in the pharma space before I left so I just leveraged my experience. I landed myself a very good job which can actually happen to anyone.

You can reach me on Twitter @olasunkanmi_h, thank you.

Aminat

Hi, I’m Aminat, I left the country for a better life and better living conditions honestly. I am in Toronto, Canada. It was quite hard to be honest because we used the express entry path and it took two years before we got our PPR (passport request) 

I would definitely consider coming back to Nigeria but that’d be when I’ve retired and made enough money. Lol 

I love everything about Canada and being a permanent resident, a lot of opportunities and free money comes in. 

I’m currently schooling. 

My Twitter and IG handle:@mogulwoman

Well, there you have it.

E dey enter ya eye? I no go tell you make you close am.

Canada seems like a fun place to live and our Naija brothers there seem to be doing well.

Wouldn’t you agree?