XPRESS YOURSELF - would you trade a united states' visa (lottery) for N2.5M (16,500 USD)?

I won’t trade it if there is a good job waiting for me over there. 2.5 million naira is too small for me to start my own business in Nigeria. It’s barely enough to acquire a suitable location for my business. Perhaps, with 10 million naira, I can begin to consider staying in Nigeria.
- Tosin Fagade

Going to the United States does not necessarily signify success. I can still be successful in Nigeria. I want to be in my fatherland, Nigeria because I believe I have a purpose to fulfill; that’s why God created me here.
- Tosin Babarinde

I can’t because it’s too small. Business in Nigeria is not that easy; when you invest, you still need some money to cater for your personal needs before you start reaping the benefits. So 2.5 million naira can’t be enough for me. Maybe I will consider 5 million naira.
- James Uwelle

I will trade it because, I’m not bent on travelling to the U.S. if I invest the money, it can yield more than I can ever earn abroad. There are opportunities in Nigeria which I have personally located. I want to go there already established.
- Sola Aremu

I will trade it and apply afresh for a new visa. By the time I spend 1 million naira, I would get a new one. After all, if I didn’t trade it, I’ll still have to spend money for the processing before finally travelling.
- Kolade Akinyede

I can’t leave Nigeria now; I know there is hope. So I’ll sell it. I can even sell it for a pittance. I want to go to the U.S already established. So that when I go to the embassy, they’ll gladly give me a visa. With 2.5million naira, I’m certain to succeed.
- Dipo Adelakun


 Culled from XPRESSIONZ magazine maiden edition (June 2006)