“Diary of a Japa Lady” debuts
By Ikechukwu Amaechi
Starting from tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, your ever scintillating online newspaper, TheNiche, will unveil a new column: Diary of a Japa Lady.
Japa, the Yoruba word used by young Nigerians as a slang to describe the act of relocating or emigrating to another country, often in search of better opportunities or a higher quality of life, has gained widespread popularity due to the increasing trend of Nigerians seeking to run, flee or escape, literally, from the country.
The idea of the column is to enlighten intending Japaists on the thrills and frills of the phenomenon and, of course, the difficulties of life in the diaspora, real life experiences of a Nigerian in the United Kingdom.
The columnist, Mary Opii, a former staff of TheNiche, is a Nigerian writer, lawyer, HR professional and community advocate now living in the UK after fleeing from Nigeria three years ago.
Passionate about storytelling, she will share through this column, every week, real-life experiences of immigrants navigating life in the diaspora, blending insight, humour and hope.
Take this as a teaser: “Arrival in the diaspora is not just about geography; it’s an emotional and psychological shift. You leave behind the familiar to chase a version of success that sometimes feels just out of reach. Yet every step forward — no matter how small — is progress. Every cold morning survived, every bill paid, every skill learned is a quiet victory. And that, for many of us, is the beginning of our new story.”
To borrow a common parlance, the taste of the pudding is in the eating.
Mary Opii will serve us the first meal on Tuesday and I can assure you, it will be super delicious.
Keep reading TheNiche newspaper. With our exclusive interviews and news reports and now top of the range columnists, it can only get better.
Visit www.thenicheng.com always!
