Tolani Baj Opens Up on Why She Left Her US Job for Life in Nigeria

Former Big Brother Naija star Tolani Baj has revealed why she abandoned her 9-5 job in the United States to return home and fully embrace life in Nigeria.

In a post shared on Snapchat on Monday, the media personality admitted that working a regular office job abroad was an experience she did not enjoy.

According to her, she often caught herself counting down the months until “Detty December”—the festive season in Nigeria that has become a cultural phenomenon of parties, concerts, and homecomings.

She wrote:

“I hated working a 9-5 in America so bad. I would spend months counting down to Detty December, God Abeg. My everyday thoughts, I’m happier in Nigeria, should I just quit my job and move there?”

Tolani added that the constant longing for home eventually convinced her that relocating to Nigeria was the right choice, as she felt more fulfilled and at peace there.

Opinion

Tolani Baj’s story is one that many young Nigerians in the diaspora can relate to. While life abroad offers stability and structure, it doesn’t always promise happiness or fulfillment. For some, the fast-paced corporate culture, loneliness, and rigid work-life routine can be overwhelming compared to the vibrant social and cultural life back home.

Her honesty also challenges the long-standing narrative that success only lies outside Nigeria. Instead, she reminds us that true success is deeply personal—it is about where one feels most alive, most creative, and most at home.

It’s easy to criticize her decision as impulsive, but in reality, Tolani’s move underscores a powerful truth: joy and peace of mind are priceless. If she finds that in Nigeria—amid its chaos, vibrancy, and warmth—then perhaps she has gained more than she left behind.

For young people weighing whether to stay abroad or return home, Tolani Baj’s experience is a reminder to ask a simple but profound question: “Where does my happiness truly live?”