Perception of greener pastures abroad misleading – Nigerian-born UK councillor, Asumu

Hilaria Asumu is one of the prominent Nigerians making waves in British politics. She was recently elected councillor in Walkden South, United Kingdom, and shares with BIODUN BUSARI what she misses about Nigeria, her passion and her projects

What informed your decision to leave Nigeria?

Marriage. Upon completing my academic pursuits at the University of Benin, I relocated to the United Kingdom with my husband and have been since then.

What year was that?

2000

Can you briefly share your journey into British politics with us?

After my transplant, I volunteered with the NHS Blood and Transplant to promote organ and blood donation and with Kidney Research UK as a peer educator. During my campaigns, I realised that many in the African-Caribbean communities had negative experiences within the system, negatively influencing their decisions about organ donation. Determined to make a difference, I focused on fostering positive engagement between my community and the healthcare system.

This passion led me to establish the UK’s first Black kidney charity, WSH BME Kidney Network. My work gained attention, and I was invited to speak in parliament on several occasions, where I connected with like-minded individuals committed to reducing health inequalities. Encouraged by political figures, I joined mentoring programmes such as Operation Black Vote and the Fabian Women Network and spoke at the Labour Party National Conference. With my experience as a school governor and charity trustee, I met the criteria for further political support. I was encouraged to stand as a councillor. I ran, won, and discovered that hard work yields great rewards.

How did you feel when you won the election?

I was delighted and pleasantly surprised to have achieved such a significant victory in my inaugural campaign. I am grateful for the unexpected support I received from fellow Nigerians who came together to assist me, even though we had no prior acquaintance. This experience reinforced my admiration for the Nigerian spirit of unity and camaraderie. I have continued to maintain these connections and extend the same support to other Nigerians in need, as a way of paying it forward and fostering a sense of community.

How has the experience been?

It has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me to represent the interests of residents in my community and ward, advocating on their behalf and representing their interests.

How do you think Nigerians are doing in British politics?

We are witnessing an increasing number of Nigerians joining political parties of their choosing and some being elected to office. We have successfully integrated into the society that welcomed us, and we want to make a positive impact. To this end, we are leveraging our skills and knowledge to effect meaningful change.

You had a life-changing encounter in 2018 when you received a kidney transplant. Can you share that experience with us?

In 2008, I was pregnant but unfortunately experienced a miscarriage at 22 weeks. This unfortunate event led to a series of complications, including septicaemia, multiple organ failure, and two cardiac arrests. As a result, I fell into a coma and my kidneys were severely affected, requiring me to undergo dialysis.

Despite these challenges, I managed to recover and became pregnant again in 2010. Regrettably, I faced a similar ordeal, and during the process of extubation, my lungs collapsed, necessitating reintubation to save my life.

Given the cultural norms and lack of awareness surrounding organ donation in our society, I had to endure a 10-year wait for a suitable transplant. Finally, in 2018, I received a life-changing opportunity when a compassionate mother, despite the loss of her own son, made the selfless decision to donate his organs. This act of generosity granted me a second chance at life, for which I am eternally grateful.

Do you have projects to help other kidney patients?

I am currently in the process of setting up a free dialysis centre. However, the community is causing significant delays in the completion of the project, making demands for money frequently and confiscating equipment if they meet resistance. Additionally, funding constraints are hindering progress.

Do you have any initiatives currently running in Nigeria?

As the founder of the WSH Kidney Foundation, Nigeria, our mission is to educate Nigerians about kidney disease prevention, organ donation, and the importance of testing for high blood pressure and diabetes. We are looking to set up a comprehensive system that will compile a registry of potential organ donors, provide information on organ preservation, and facilitate a cultural shift in attitudes towards organ donation.

Any plans to move back to Nigeria soon or later?

Unfortunately, due to my chronic kidney condition, I am unable to relocate back to Nigeria at this time. While I would love to do so in the future, I must remain in close proximity to my medical team who are familiar with my long-term health needs. However, I am open to the possibility of visiting Nigeria, after all, it is a country that holds a lot of fond memories for me. There’s no place like home.

What do you miss about Nigeria?

I miss Nigeria so much. I miss the people, the fun, the jokes, and the way Nigerians always find a way to get through tough times. Everyone is so friendly and supportive, and the air is so fresh. Even the honking horns, which can get annoying after a couple of days, are kind of charming. And of course, I miss all the delicious food and fresh fruits. I could go on and on. I miss my family too.

What’s your take on the Japa syndrome?

The perception of greener pastures abroad can be misleading. While immigration may offer opportunities, it is not without challenges. The financial investment required for relocation should be carefully considered, and people should be prepared for potential difficulties in adapting to a new culture and legal system. Some may face the risk of losing child custody or even imprisonment. However, there are also success stories of those who integrate well and thrive in their new communities.

To address these challenges, I have initiated a support group called Africa2UK Integration. This platform connects people with council officers in areas where Africans commonly face difficulties. We provide information, guidance, and early intervention to help newcomers navigate the system and seek assistance when needed.