The Nigerian experience is physical, emotional, and sometimes international. No one knows it better than our features on #TheAbroadLife, a series where we detail and explore Nigerian experiences while living abroad.
Edith, the subject of this week’s Abroad Life, believes in three things: nobody should spend their entire lives in Lagos alone, birthdays shouldn’t be repeated in one city, and Nigerian Jollof shouldn’t compete with Ghanian Jollof. In this episode, she shares how she’s visited four countries and 17 Nigerian states and plans to help others do the same.
Where did your desire to travel the world come from?
I come from a family of travellers. My dad isn’t based in Nigeria, but he loves to travel, and my mom also loves travelling. So, as a child, we used to go on family trips. I also went on every excursion in school. I’ve been exposed to things, places, and people since I was a child, so when I grew older, I just knew I wanted to explore as much as possible.
So far, how many countries have you been to?
So far, I’ve only been to four West African countries, including Nigeria. I’ve visited Togo, Benin and Ghana. I’ve been to Benin twice, and I have to say that the people are at the heart of the country. They were so warm and friendly.
In Togo, what stood out for me was the food. I was determined to try out new food as much as I could, but I ended up with a runny stomach. Ghana is special to me because I felt this overall warmth there. I stayed in Ghana for two months, but I ended up getting sick. That sickness made me realize how caring the people were. The women were so happy to care for me and ensure I didn’t spend a dime on anything. It was insane because everyone I encountered in Ghana was so lovely. They also have beautiful cities like Accra and Kumasi. And yes, I know you didn’t ask, but Ghanian jollof is better than Nigerian jollof.
That’s a bold claim
It is, but I’ve been dragged for saying it before, so I can say it again with my full chest. Their jollof rice is so different—the texture, the taste, and everything else. It’s just amazing.
Nigerian jollof is better than Ghanaian jollof. How did you end up in Ghana anyway?
It was a family trip with my people. My dad woke up one day and said, “Let’s go to Ghana.” And we went to Ghana. My parents left earlier, but my siblings and I stayed back. I’m not really a fan of revisiting places, but I would definitely visit Accra again.
When did you start exploring the world?
It all started in 2022. Do you know how folks from Twitter say things like, “God, I don’t want to die in Surulere”? That was what started the whole thing. I visited Kwara State for the first time in 2022 and knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in Lagos. But, I started documenting my travelling experiences in 2023.
Have you gone on any international solo trips?
No. All my trips have been with family. I’ve not done any international solo trips yet.
You guys just wake up and decide to tour the world?
Yes, we love to travel. As I mentioned, my dad is a traveller. He’s been to so many countries. Our trips are mostly randomly planned, but we typically plan for summer.
Besides Kwara and Lagos, have you been to other Nigerian states?
Oh yes. I’ve been to 17 Nigerian states. I made a deliberate decision not to go to UNILAG because I knew I wouldn’t have had as much freedom to travel if I stayed in Lagos. So, I decided to go to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Visiting 17 states is crazy. Which state is your favourite so far?
Tourism-wise, it’s Enugu state. Enugu is blessed with highly breathtaking views – from the landscape to mountains, hills, rivers and waterfalls.
Enugu is also blessed with caves. The waterfalls are unique—every single one of them, the dams, the river, the rocks. And I’m not being biased because I was educated there. But there were things I found surprising about Enugu at first. For example, shops don’t open until 10 a.m.
And when do they close?
By 6 pm, it’s a very slow pace compared to Lagos. Everybody is so chill that it makes you wonder why we are always in a rush in Lagos.
Do you have a goal in mind?
There’s something called a budget traveller, and that’s what I am. Actually, I am a “budget-budget” traveller. Because I started travelling as a teenager, who didn’t have any money. My goal is to travel as much as possible on a tight budget, but my dad doesn’t support my travelling.
Why is that?
He doesn’t like the idea of it because the world is not safe for women but my mom is supportive. She has always wanted to do this, but she got married, started a business and no longer had the time for it.
So, how do you look out for yourself on these trips?
It’s all God. I’m very, very fortunate when it comes to meeting people. I don’t want to test my luck regarding security, so that I will tell my family and friends about my movement. I also carry spare cash anywhere I’m going because that’s important. Plus, I research to figure out where to go and where to avoid.
How do you afford your trips?
I should add that my first solo trip was in 2024. I have a birthday tradition of celebrating every birthday in a different city or another state, trying new foods, and meeting new people. I started the tradition in 2023. I plan to do it again this year. And I mentioned this because how I could fund that trip was 100% through savings. So, I was at university, getting an allowance and doing side gigs. I’m a video editor and social media manager. So, I saved a whole lot and budgeted accordingly. As I mentioned, I’m not just a budget traveller; I’m a “budget budget” traveller. I go for the cheapest alternatives to travelling to have enough money to enjoy the trip.
So, what are your travel plans for 2025?
I want to explore northern Nigeria and visit Cameroon later in the year, but some of my trips this year will be group trips. I’m currently drafting a travel calendar for my travel committee, which is a growing group, so anyone can join us.
Tell me more about your birthday tradition
In my family, birthdays are important, and we go all out for each other with cakes and gifts, but there was a particular birthday that just didn’t feel as warm as the others (even though I had gotten gifts). I always go all out for other people’s birthday so it was saddening not to get the same energy back. It was after that birthday that I decided never to have a terrible birthday again in my life. So, every year, I save for my trips. Even if I stay home all year, I must be in a new city to celebrate my birthday. So far, it’s been the best decision. I always end up having the most amazing conversations with new people, trying new food, and seeing new places.
Where are some of the places you’ve spent your birthday?
When I started the tradition, I spent my birthday in Erin Ijesha. I spent my second birthday in Port Harcourt trying new things.
Do you have a dream country?
I don’t have a dream country per se, but I’d love to go anywhere I can see the Northern Lights. So, think Denmark and Iceland. But my current obsession is Namibia.
In what country have you had the chance to be the happiest version of yourself?
It might be weird, but it’s Nigeria. I love this country so much, even though it frustrates me sometimes.
Do you want to share your Abroad Life story? Please reach out to me here. For new episodes of Abroad Life, check in every Friday at 12 PM (WAT).
