Bunmi like me, moved to Ontario in April of 2018. She is very much in the honeymoon phase 🙂 that’s why she’s talmabout Canada having such great weather…loool… if I hear, when winter’s comes ehn?? Bunmi is a bubbly soul, and I enjoyed reading from her. Hope you do too, and please support her cooking business. Direct link to her business IG page below:
1. Introduce yourself in an artistic way (You can chose to give your government name or not)
My name is Olubunmi A. My Nigerian friends call me Bunmi, but my “oyinbo” friends find that name tooth breaking, so they choose to call me Olu instead. Lol more like ‘ooh-loo’ if you know what I mean?.
2. When did the idea of moving to Canada first strike you?
Before I get to the idea of moving to Canada, I had always known that Nigeria is not for me ? I mean, right from secondary school, I just knew I had to escape as soon as possible but I was just waiting for the right time. I first completed my LLB, attended the Nigerian Law school, did my youth service and then I knew the time had come! I actually had 3 options to choose from: U.S, Canada and Germany because I have siblings in each of those but I finally settled for Canada because I thought it would be easier fitting into their system as they readily welcome immigrants.
3. What method did you arrive into Canada? (Student, PR, Canadian Citizen by birth, Asylum seeker, other)
I came into Canada as a Permanent Resident, that’s a way cooler way to fit in very quickly. You have lots of advantages and very little restrictions, and since I had a professional degree from a recognized University, young age in my favour and some other things, it was quite easy!
4. How did you decide on the city you finally settled in?
I live in Toronto, Ontario and it was very easy to choose because I already had family here. I decided to start where I have loved ones and then if the need arose, I could move later on. And trust me, it’s like the best decision ever! I mean, there are lots of job opportunities, it’s fun, lively and lots of places to visit. Also, compared to most places; the weather is beautiful!
5. Did you continue in the same profession here that you practiced in your home country?
So, back home, I was a Lawyer and also ran my clothing line and a thrift store on the side. Coming here, it’s not so easy to fit into the legal system. There are some assessments, examinations and articling which I have to do to be called to the Bar. I’ve started the process and by God’s grace, I’ll be in the system soon. However, while I wait to complete the law process, I work for a bank in the account receivables department and I also run a cooking business by the side, it’s called “TheLamiKitchen“, where I make delicious Nigerian dishes for my clients at very affordable rates.
6. What mistakes have you made while on this journey?
I guess this would be not starting my NCA (stands for National Committee on Accreditation which is a standing committee of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada) assessment earlier. I didn’t know that I could have started my assessment from back home so I could just resume here and start with my exams. I mean, it would have saved me a lot of time and stress!
7. What are you most thankful of in your journey?
Haha, there are so many things to be thankful for… I’m free from NEPA, I don’t have to bother about ironing in case they take the light. It’s so cool to know that you earn as you work, unlike Nigeria when you have to stay after closing time to complete your work without getting extra pay. Here, for every single minute you stay back; you get paid for it? People here are so accommodating, and I have met “sooo” many people from different Nationalities, even countries I never knew existed. I’m thankful for Life, Love, Family, everything in fact.
8. #OtherThingsNoOneTellsYouWhenYouRelocate?
First and foremost, clothes!!! Don’t dash out all your clothes, people make it seem like you would just get here and pick up clothes. I would advise you bring along your good clothes as you would find them useful. You don’t want to spend the little money you come here with, on clothes as soon as you land.
If you are a foodie like me, there are some foodstuff you might want to bring along. Although, you would find Nigerian stores here but they are quite pricey
Get ready to pay taxes on everything you buy. I know it would take some time to get used to it, but you have no choice here?
People invite you out to their birthday parties and other things, but let me tell you a secret- Don’t get too excited. Before you say yes; remember to ask how much it would cost you. Because unlike Nigeria, nothing is free here. Let me give you small gist, so I was sitting on my own, at work when a colleague invited me to her barbeque party. I was just excited at the sound of free chicken and I agreed, well till she mentioned the amount I had to pay. Lol, don’t get it twisted but my point is that, unlike Naija where people host you for free, it’s mostly not the case here.
It is a mind your business affair over here, you most likely won’t even know your next door neighbor. If anything happens, people just walk by and act like they didn’t see. (Not every time though but mostly)
I know not everyone would understand this, but people here see a car as a necessity! Please don’t rush to get one when you get here, take your time and be sure you can afford the bills that come with it before you take that step. The bus and train system here is cool and cost effective to start with.
In this country, you can afford almost anything using your credit card… But please before you get here and start buying all you can on credit, please have someone explain to you how it works because the Temptation is REAL!
9. Knowing what you know now, would you still relocate to Canada? Why?
Oh Yes, Knowing what I know now, I would relocate to Canada again ten times over. Canada is a very good and enjoyable place to be. Less stress, No drama, Lots of job opportunities. Even though we pay a lot in tax, at least I see where my money is being spent. You have health insurance, you have your Unemployment Insurance in case you lose your job and other benefits, good roads and all. So what’s not to love?
10. Sign Out:)?
🙂 🙂 ✌
