Finding Home Again: A Journey of Renewal

"Home sweet home," muses 31-year-old Sekou Kaba, his eyes alight with a mix of nostalgia and hope as he finalizes his preparations to return to Ivory Coast. After a tumultuous journey that saw him seeking refuge first in Benin and then in Nigeria, Sekou is ready to rebuild his life in his homeland, armed with new skills and a deeper understanding of the world.

Sekou's ordeal started in 2011 during the war in Ivory Coast. The relentless sound of gunshots forced him to flee his home. His initial refuge in Benin was short-lived; just a year later, a chance encounter with a friend revealed that his family had found sanctuary in Nigeria.

Arriving in Lagos in 2012, Sekou was reunited with his family. They were living under cramped conditions, sharing a single room with another refugee family on Adeniji Lagos Island.

"The language barrier was a formidable obstacle. I couldn't speak or understand English at first. But with determination and the support of my new community, I started learning the language. Over five months, I gradually improved my communication skills. I even attended adult classes to enhance my proficiency," he says.

When refugees arrive, UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, helps the government register and verify their data to ensure that family units receive comprehensive documentation together. The process helps keep families together and assists in reuniting separated children with their families. It also ensures access to vital services such as hospitals, schools, and employment opportunities.

Life in Nigeria was challenging, yet it was filled with gradual victories. Sekou's mother received financial support from UNHCR, to start a business selling beverages, which provided some stability for the family. When she could afford it, she rented a separate room, offering the family a bit more space. UNHCR's support extended to Sekou's siblings as well, who were able to continue their education through financial assistance.

Sekou initially found work in a sculpture studio, earning meagre daily wages as a cleaner. After his mother's death in 2019, he transitioned to driving ride-hailing taxis to better support himself and his siblings. That same year, his siblings chose to return to Ivory Coast, assisted by the generosity of fellow refugees and friends.

Following the cessation of refugee status for Ivorians, Sekou made the decision to voluntarily return to Ivory Coast. With the knowledge and skills he had acquired in Nigeria, Sekou is eager to apply them positively in his country. He has learned to live with people from diverse nationalities, cultures, tribes, and religions, respecting their opinions and beliefs. This enriched perspective fuels his optimism and plans for the future.

UNHCR continues to support voluntary repatriation and reintegration through return packages, which include transportation support and cash grants. The cash grant helps to cover the needs for shelter, food and other basic needs for at least three months, as well as costs related to the issuance of civil and identity documents and for the recognition of diplomas and certificates.

Upon his return, Sekou is planning to start a business in the clothing trade, aiming not only to provide for his family but also to create employment opportunities for others. "I've learned that at home, with the same effort, you can achieve more because of the support system," he shares, encouraging other refugees who can return home to do so.

The generosity of donors continues to be invaluable in navigating the complexities of protecting, assisting, and finding solutions for forced displacement in Nigeria. Flexible funding is key, enabling responses to underfunded and protracted situations that often go unnoticed by the broader public. Sekou's story is just one of many that underscore the vital importance of sustained international solidarity, ensuring that refugees have the opportunities they need to rebuild their lives effectively.

As he prepares for his departure, he reflects on th journey ahead.  "Though my time in Nigeria was punctuated by some hardships, it was also a place of growth and resilience. It's bittersweet to leave, but I know that returning home is the next step in making a meaningful impact," Sekou concludes shortly before departing for “home sweet home”.