Samuel David was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Although he is Igala, he grew up spending time with many Yoruba people, describing them as “quite the socialites.” Samuel came to the United States in 2009 at the age of 18 for education. He arrived in Houston, Texas, a main metropolitan city that attracts Nigerian immigrants. The reason he went to Texas is because of a key, universal point in Nigerian immigration: those who immigrate often go to places in America where they already have family or connections established. He moved in with his uncle and started college just a day after arriving in America.
Samuel quickly found fellow peers who were Nigerian, noting that they all “naturally found their way to each other.” This sense of community runs deep. When Samuel visits Nigeria on vacation—being with family, returning to a familiar lifestyle, and enjoying what he calls the “motherland”—all reminds him where his heart truly lies. He hopes to eventually return to Nigeria.
A major reason Samuel cites for immigration from Nigeria is the country’s corrupt political system. Nigeria is known for its poor road conditions. According to Samuel, even when wealthy individuals donate money to repair roads, they may be damaged again soon after. This happens because politicians frequently campaign on promises to “fix” those same roads. Additionally, Samuel notes that Nigeria often lacks transparency from its government, something he sees as a stark contrast with the United States. If food prices suddenly rise, for instance, there is often little explanation provided to the public.

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