From Nigeria to Morocco - In search of a better life in Europe | DW Documentary

Ike Nnaebue, a filmmaker and cultural entrepreneur from Lagos, Nigeria, shares his personal journey to retrace his coming-of-age and understand the experiences of West African youth migrating today. He recalls his own youthful adventure 26 years ago with friends, aiming to cross West Africa to Europe with minimal resources but a wealth of dreams and enthusiasm. The narrative intertwines his past with the present, highlighting the challenges, hopes, and choices of those who dare the journey.

The script delves into the reality of migration from Nigeria to Europe, touching on the historical significance of Cotonou as a port and the misleading tales that circulate about the ease of traveling to Europe. It emphasizes the importance of creating a cover story and a new identity to avoid detection. The journey is portrayed as a search for self and identity, with music playing a significant role in connecting people across Africa.

Music is highlighted as a universal connector in Africa, with the protagonist reflecting on his first journey, guided by hope and the call of the unknown. The narrative draws parallels between traditional coming-of-age rituals and the protagonist's personal journey, symbolized by the moon and the sound of wooden drums. It also touches on the protagonist's childhood in Ojoto and the difficult decision he faced between continuing education and taking up an apprenticeship due to family circumstances.

The protagonist describes the crossroads he faced at a young age, torn between pursuing his dreams and fulfilling his duty to support his family. As the eldest son, he chose to enter an apprenticeship in trading auto spare parts, reflecting on the personal sacrifices involved in such a decision and the emotional moment when he told his mother, who was struggling to support the family.

The focus shifts to the stories of women migrating across West Africa, questioning the reasons behind their journey and how their migration shapes both their home communities and the societies they enter. It discusses the scarcity faced by these women and the role their earnings play in supporting their families, lifting them out of poverty.

The protagonist reminisces about his childhood fascination with the moon and how hope became his constant companion, guiding him through life. The narrative reflects on Africa's vast resources and the tragic hope it brings, questioning why it is unrealistic to dream of a comfortable life on a continent so rich in resources. It also ponders the existential dream of Europe for many migrants and the need for opportunities within their own countries.

The protagonist revisits Bamako, recalling his past experiences and the life-changing decisions made there. He recounts meeting an Igbo trader who enlightened them about the dangers of their journey, leading to second thoughts. The narrative explores the concept of the Igbo apprenticeship system and the protagonist's struggle after his master could not provide the startup capital needed to begin his own business, which eventually led him to consider the journey to Europe.

The protagonist expresses his frustration with Bamako, a place that has interrupted his journey twice—first due to fear of the perils ahead and now due to the pandemic. He reflects on the dangers publicized on social media and in the news and his desire to understand the hope that propels people to continue despite these risks.

The narrative shifts to the protagonist's observations of migrants in Morocco, noting the West African community and the efforts to recreate a sense of home. It discusses the stories of individuals who, like the protagonist, have chosen to build lives within Africa and questions whether the continent can ensure the realization of young people's dreams.

The protagonist heads to Tangier and the shores of the Mediterranean, reflecting on the sacrifices made by migrants to reach this point and the challenges of crossing the sea. He contemplates the importance of family, particularly during religious ceremonies, and the sacrifices made by migrants who have been separated from their loved ones for extended periods. The narrative explores the concept of shame in returning home unsuccessful and the identity crisis that arises from the dream of migration.

The protagonist ponders whether Nigeria has changed over the last 26 years and if it now accommodates the dreams of its youth, or if the hope for a better life still lies across the border. He contrasts his own journey, which led to finding a place for his dreams in The Gambia, with the experiences of other young people from West Africa and Nigeria, contemplating the broader implications of migration and the pursuit of dreams.