“Abroad does not mean you’ve made it, but it makes it impossible to cry in public.” This powerful line, from the one-man play Second Thoughts, encapsulates the emotional complexity faced by many Nigerians who have migrated abroad in search of better opportunities.

But according to Emmanuel Okocha, the producer of Second Thoughts, the play delivers a critical message — after migrating (“japa-ing”), instead of suffering in silence, one should consider returning home (“japada”).

Okocha, known for tackling sensitive topics in his productions like Sour Grapes (on post-partum depression) and A Palm Tree in London, brings this important subject to light in Second Thoughts. “I realized that the reality of life abroad is often vastly different from the rosy picture painted to those left behind in Nigeria. The story portrayed in Second Thoughts is grounded in truth. Many people sell everything they have, quit their high-paying jobs, and migrate, only to find that life overseas isn’t the utopia they expected. Having given up everything, they are left with no choice but to endure their circumstances,” he said.

The Plot of Second Thoughts

In Second Thoughts, Clement Achebe (played by Patrick Diabuah) takes center stage, sharing his personal journey from a successful senior manager in Lagos to a disillusioned immigrant in London. Through humor and heartbreak, Clement reflects on the reality of migration — the ‘greener pastures’ that were not as lush as expected.

The play, directed by Femi (Tiger) Johnson, was recently staged at the 2025 Lagos Fringe Festival. It is an adaptation of Chris Iheuwa’s novella, produced by Instinct Pictures. Despite its comedic moments, Second Thoughts delivers poignant insights into the trials and tribulations of migration.

The Reality of ‘Japa’

The play highlights the difficult truth that many Nigerians, lured by the promise of better opportunities abroad, face upon arrival: the reality of scrubbing toilets instead of signing cheques, dealing with cold weather, bland food, and cultural dislocation, and enduring the sting of racism. Clement’s monologue presents the harsh realities of immigrant life with a blend of humor and regret.

A particularly striking line in the play — “Japa is sweet for mouth and attractive on Instagram, but abroad na location, no be salvation” — serves as a cautionary tale for those planning to migrate without fully understanding the emotional, financial, and social costs involved.

As Clement contemplates his life choices, he faces a metaphorical dilemma: Should he return to Nigeria, represented by a glass of sweet juice symbolizing comfort, or stay in London, represented by a glass of cold water, symbolizing the challenging but potentially rewarding future? The question becomes one of personal identity and the price of dreams — is it better to stay in familiar comfort or brave the unknown in pursuit of something greater?

The Power of Performance

Second Thoughts is not just a play about migration; it’s a reflection on identity, dreams, and the choices people make. Patrick Diabuah’s one-man performance was deeply engaging, skillfully transitioning between various emotions and characters, making the story come alive. The audience’s enthusiastic interaction with Diabuah added an immersive element to the performance, with the actor effortlessly involving them in the journey.

Diabuah admitted that performing a one-man show for the first time was a challenge. “I almost rejected the script at first,” he confessed, “but once I got into the character, I realized the importance of the story we were telling.”

The Challenge of One-Man Shows

Samuel Olusegun Oladele, the Artistic Director of Second Thoughts, described the production as a daunting task, especially considering it was a one-man show. “The briefer the play, the harder it is,” Oladele explained. “With one actor performing all roles, it requires a director and actor who can embody multiple characters effectively.” Patrick Diabuah’s versatility was praised for bringing Clement’s story to life with authenticity and emotional depth.

A Reflection on Migration

Ultimately, Second Thoughts is a meditation on the emotional and psychological costs of migration, asking the difficult questions that many Nigerians, and migrants in general, face. Should the pursuit of success come at the expense of family, comfort, and identity? The play raises essential questions about personal choices, the consequences of “japa-ing,” and the potential value of returning home to find redemption in one’s roots.