Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 10

Surviving in Canada Episode Ten

When Ekaette faced challenges in Canada and she was asked to return to Nigeria, she did not inform too many people. She just took it that there was nothing that could be done about her situation. If she informed an immigration lawyer, she would have been told that she could actually stay in Canada and convert her visa from a visitor visa to a work permit. However, she didn't know about that and she didn't seek proper advice. She just packed her things and moved to Nigeria alongside her children. She was too tensed and too angry to talk to people.

When she landed in Nigeria, she decided to stay in Lagos. She was ashamed of returning to Uyo to restart her crayfish business. In Nigeria, when one travels abroad and the person is deported, the person is regarded as a failure. She didn't want to answer questions from fellow market women who would be asking her why she was deported if she goes back to Uyo. She had money, so she paid for a hotel room in Lagos to accommodate her and her children. She was using the opportunity to rest and to think of what to do next with her life. One day, she received a phone call from one of the hotels she used to cook for in Canada.

"Ekaette, we tried to reach your office and we were told you have moved back to Nigeria, what happened? We need you to deliver some supplies to us. We need stock fish for our cooks. We also needed you to cook for a special guest from Nigeria over the coming weekend. But unfortunately, we heard you are no longer in Canada. Why the sudden change? You didn't inform us before leaving and we are now stranded. How are you going to help us please?" The hotel manager asked. The manager was highly desperate because Ekaette has become vital to their success as an organization. Her absence is going to affect them very negatively.

"I left Canada because I was told to leave the country within 24 hours. I had very little time to prepare or to even talk to my clients. I packed my things the same day I was asked to leave. And you know, I had to travel with my children, making the whole situation more complicated. I'm so sorry, but I can't deliver services to you again since I'm now in Nigeria trying to see how I can survive and overcome the situation."

Ekaette said.

"If you had told us, we would have hired a lawyer to help you convert your visa from a visitor visa to work permit. But even now, it is not too late. You have become too important to us that we can no longer do without you. We would like to know if you are still interested in living in Canada. If you are still interested in working in Canada, we will sponsor your visa. This time around, it will be a work visa which would serve as a permit for you to work in Canada. Do you want to come back to Canada? If you still wish to work for us, we will start the process of getting you a visa." The hotel manager said.

Ekaette was more than happy to say yes. She has not been herself since she returned to Nigeria. An opportunity for her to return to Canada is something she can't turn down. She quickly said yes to the hotel manager who was glad to hear that their favorite chef was returning.

"Why won't I return? I have been feeling very sad since I returned to Nigeria. I have not been my real self. My heart was broken when I was told I must return to Nigeria. Now, I have another opportunity to come back. You know my life was already taking shape in Canada. I was already making a name for myself before I was asked to leave. Please, let's start the process of getting new visas for me and my children." Ekaette said over the phone. Her voice shows that she was very happy and she could not wait to return to Canada.

"Alright, just park your things and get ready. You will be back in Canada within a few weeks." The hotel manager said. They started the visa procedure immediately. Ekaette was already known as a chef, so it was not difficult to convince the authorities to give her a new visa. Her children also got their visas approved.

Meanwhile, within the few weeks that Ekaette was in Nigeria, she used the opportunity to set up a proper business branch in Uyo. She employed staff that would be helping to buy local food items for her.

"I don't want to be doing all those 'small small' ware bills again. I want to be getting my foodstuffs in buck, not in small quantities. So, you people will help me achieve this. You will be sending foodstuffs to me three times a month. I will pay you people very well so far as you work for me with your heart. Please, I know that I will not be here to supervise you, but I want you people to help me achieve my goals." Ekaette said to her staff before leaving Uyo to Lagos.

A few weeks later, Ekaette and her children moved back to Canada when their visas were ready.

"Finally, I'm now convinced that my destiny lies in Canada. I'm promising God that I will make good use of this opportunity. I will not missuse it." Ekaette said in her heart when she and her children boarded the airplane.

When they landed in Canada, the hotel organized a special welcome party for them. Already, Ekaette owned a house in Canada. She already had a car and she did not sell any of those things when she was asked to leave. It was just like she traveled and returned. Nothing changed. After returning to Canada, she became even more successful. That was how her life changed for the better.

When Dr Williams finished serving his jail term, he was deported to Nigeria.

THE END