BERNARDS JOURNEY TO EUROPE
Jun 14th, 2007 by kendi
Deacon Bernard Idollo is a Nigerian, who lives in Athens with his wife. He is the chairman of the Delta state community and a trader who sells household items and clothes at a Market.
WHY DID YOU LEAVE NIGERIA?
I left Nigeria ten years ago because I felt a move to Europe would be the key to a better life and a brighter future. I actually thought the grass would be greener on the other side. My journey to Europe began in Turkey, where I spent about a year, and then finally moved to Athens, Greece.
WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVED IN ATHENS,GREECE?
When I first came to Greece, the countrys economy was very good and favourable to foreigners. Within a short period of time I was able to raise enough money to bring my wife over, but my children remained in Nigeria.
As a trader at the Market, I was required to register with the Greek government. This entitled me to a tax number (AFM). After registering my business I was then able to effectively operate in the business sector as a “micropolitis”, a small trader.
HOW PROFITABLE HAS THIS BEEN?
At the beginning it was all right because I could support my family, but things have changed. I have discovered that the insurance scheme which covers me called the teva is a problem. I pay so much money, almost 700 euros every two months with absolutely nothing to show for
it. This of course has left me frustrated with the system. A Greek man on the other hand, gets enormous benefits at the end of day. He retires and his entilements are immediately paid. Not true for foreigners.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY DOING?
I am still involved in business. There are no alternatives, expecially for the Africans. Before I left Nigeria I worked with a private oil company Niscom, which was a good job at the time. But i wanted more out of life. I never thought my journey to Europe would leave me unable to fulfill my dreams. I Thought within two years I would be all settled, doing very well.I didn’t realize i would be buying and selling clothes and household items. So I would say its not really working out for me. In fact the Greek system has left me confused. At the moment we are not licenced to do business at the markets because the goverment says our licences have been revoked. This has left the definition of “micropolitis” very unclear to me.
I have been trying to fit into this society for so many years and its only getting harder. If I want to be honest with my self, I would say I haven’t succeeded. Its become almost impossible to make ends meet. I have weighed my options and my trust is in God. My only joy is that my children are adequately cared for back in Nigeria. But I miss the fact that I haven’t been able to spend time with them as a father should. I guess that’s one sacrifice I have made to give them a brighter future.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR YOU?
I honestly do not know. But I am sure I will go back to Nigeria some day. I realize I am only a stranger here and as long as I live in Europe I will always be a tenant.