Nigerian comedian and television host Teju Babyface has opened up about his experience relocating to the United States, describing it as a humbling journey filled with unexpected struggles and life lessons.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the veteran entertainer said many Nigerians assume that moving abroad automatically guarantees comfort and success, but reality, he explained, is far more complex.
“We all tend to suffer from what I call the ‘grass is greener on the other side’ syndrome,” he said. “From where we stand, another place always looks better—greener, more promising. But we usually don’t see the challenges that come with it until we get there.”
Teju revealed that the early years of his move were particularly difficult, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he struggled to find stability and purpose.
“America has its own unique set of difficulties,” he said. “When you add COVID to that, it was brutal. For about three years, I was convinced I’d made the biggest mistake of my life.”
Despite the hardships, the comedian said the experience taught him resilience and gratitude. He urged Nigerians considering relocation to weigh their decisions carefully and cultivate patience, reminding them that fulfillment comes from “growing where you’re planted, not just chasing greener pastures.”
It’s a rare moment of candor from one of Nigeria’s sharpest comedic minds, a reflection on ambition, adaptation, and the reality behind the immigrant dream.
