Before and After: Relocating From Sagamu to Ibadan.

Life really has a way of throwing big changes at you when you least expect it. For me, one of the biggest shifts I’ve experienced was moving from Sagamu, my childhood hometown to Ibadan. It might sound like just a change in location, but for me, it was the beginning of a whole new chapter of life—one that taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to find stability even when everything around you changes.

Growing up in Sagamu was actually very comfortable. We lived in a big duplex—our own house, not a rented one—in a quiet neighbourhood. It was ours , and it gave us that sense of freedom that comes with owning your home. There was no landlord, no rent stress, and no unnecessary restrictions. We were free to live on our own terms. The compound was so large that we could even throw parties. In fact, I have memories of birthday celebrations and family events that we hosted right in that compound, with enough space for everyone to feel free and comfortable.

But as time passed, things started to change. My parents went through a divorce, and that changed everything for our family. My mum and my siblings had to leave that big house behind, and with that, we left behind the comfort and stability we had always known. We moved to Ibadan and started living in a rented apartment.

Honestly, adjusting to this new life wasn’t easy at all. Ibadan is a much bigger city compared to Sagamu, and while that came with opportunities, it also came with a lot of challenges. For the first time in my life, I was living in a space where I had to share walls with many tenants. It was difficult adapting to a lifestyle where you had to be extra cautious about noise, water usage, and even things like who locked the gate at night.

Water issues became a regular thing. Sometimes, we’d wake up and realize there was no water running, and we had to look for where to fetch. The power supply wasn’t as consistent either. And let’s not forget about the rent—we now had to think of paying rent yearly and that financial pressure was something we never had to deal with back in Sagamu. It made me realize how different life can be when you're not living under your own roof.

Despite all the discomfort and the initial shock, moving to Ibadan has helped me grow in so many ways. I’ve learned how to adapt, how to manage expectations, and most importantly, how to leave my comfort zone. I've gotten to explore the city, meet new people, and experience life from a different perspective. It hasn’t been all bad—in fact, I’m grateful for how far I’ve come. Life here may not have started off as easy, but it’s gradually becoming my new normal.

Looking back now, I see that the move, though tough, shaped me. It forced me to grow up faster, understand the value of stability, and appreciate the little things I once took for granted. And through it all, I’ve come to realize that home isn't just about the building—it's about adapting, adjusting, and finding peace wherever life places you.

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