DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Why we left America for Nigeria with five children, US professor, wife

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Sources not specified Context piece
  • US-based professor Pablo Segun and his wife Aanu relocated to Nigeria's Ondo State with their five children seeking a sustainable and culturally rich life.
  • The couple, who met at university, found the US expensive and not conducive to raising their family, prompting a search for a different lifestyle.
  • Their journey included exploring Uganda and producing a film before settling in Nigeria, which they now consider more like home than America.

Pablo Segun, a former professor of Spanish-language linguistics, and his wife Aanu have relocated their family of five children from the United States to Ondo State, Nigeria. The couple, known on social media as Familia PablAnu, sought a more sustainable and culturally connected life, finding Nigeria to be a better fit than America.

We wanted a sustainable life with more time for our children. We didn’t want to only work, work, and work.

— Pablo SegunExplaining the motivation behind their move from the US.

Segun, who was raised in the US and studied in Spain, explained that the decision stemmed from dissatisfaction with life in America. "The US was expensive and didn’t seem like a safe or healthy place for us," he stated. The couple desired a life with more family time, moving away from a constant focus on work. This desire for a different pace and environment led them to explore options in Africa.

Their initial plan involved settling in Uganda, where they were inspired by colleagues who balanced academic careers with farming. However, securing land proved challenging. During this period, Aanu proposed making a film, "My Love from Another Land," which they wrote, produced, and starred in, collaborating with a Ugandan filmmaker. This creative endeavor preceded their visit to Nigeria.

For me, it was a great experience finally coming to the continent and trying to assimilate into the culture.

— Pablo SegunDescribing his feelings upon visiting Nigeria.

Upon visiting Nigeria, Segun found the experience of assimilating into the continent's culture deeply rewarding. He recalled meeting Aanu at a social gathering during their university days. He was initially shy but was drawn to her presence. A memorable moment involved Aanu correcting his pronunciation of "Lagos," a detail that highlighted cultural nuances and their connection.

She smiled, then her face fell when she heard how I pronounced Lagos. She said, “You mean Lagos?”

— Pablo SegunRecounting an early interaction with his wife that highlighted cultural differences.

The couple's move to Nigeria represents a deliberate choice to embrace their cultural roots and build a life that prioritizes family and well-being over the perceived pressures of American society. They have found a sense of belonging and identity in their new home.

When she walked in, she lit up the room. It was like a bright light had come in.

— Pablo SegunDescribing his first impression of Aanu.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog