Chibuzor Ezekiel is an author, career mentor, transformational leader, prolific speaker, entrepreneur, songwriter and singer. He is also the founder and lead Pastor at Jesus Foundation Family International (JFFI) with over 25 years of ministry work and advocacy. Ezekiel, who has been described by many as a humanitarian with various charitable works both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) where he resides presently, has assisted hundreds of skilled migrating Nigerians fit into the UK system. He has also authored several books and recently released a 12-track worship album. He holds an executive MBA from the University of Chester, which he says gives him profound business and strategic insight into ministry. In this interview with TOBI AWODIPE, he talks about what the government can do to create an enabling environment for the teeming youths of this country to thrive, why illegal migration is dangerous and the major problems migrants face abroad.

You assist Nigerians who find themselves out of the shores of the country, what led you to doing this?
I do not only help Nigerians; I also support skilled immigrants from across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and so on, to settle down and find their feet in the United Kingdom. I am convinced this gesture is in alignment with my purpose and it started off as a genuine commitment to help people adjust to day-to-day living in the UK, which we all know can be very hard for newcomers. Immigrants to any part of the world are often faced with a long list of what they would consider problems because they have limited or no access to quality information; this I know from experience.

In recent times, we have put systems in place that have benefited over a thousand families in the last 14 years, catering to a wide range of areas including but not limited to accomodation, jobs, food, career, investment, finances and so on.
The japa wave is gaining more momentum these days; do you think many young people are making informed decisions before leaving the country for greener pastures?
Relocation predates this era. It essentially should be a product of one’s personal convictions, aspirations or what God has told one, for it is not without its peculiar challenges. The Bible records that Abraham was instructed to leave his father’s house to a land that God will show him. Even Israel, a whole country, at some point in history, relocated to the promised land, Cannan, by instruction, thus fulfilling God’s purpose for them.
However, if you don’t have the relevant skills or developed your capacity as an individual, you may struggle abroad. Skilled healthcare professionals with the required certification and training have amazing opportunities here, likewise skilled musicians, automobile mechanics, just to mention a few. Also, having the ability to learn quickly and with something to exchange for value give one an edge.

Many still travel by irregular means such as going through the desert; what is your advice to them?
It is one of the most unsafe and illegitimate ways to migrate because one really goes through unpleasant extremes. Even if one eventually makes it through in one piece, one must have a good reason to claim asylum, otherwise you risk extradition or at best, being an illegal immigrant not able to settle down let alone work. Worse, there is the risk of being caught and imprisoned. I will plead with people going through these irregular means to desist; it is not advisable at all.

What are the major challenges Nigerians relocating abroad face and how do you go about helping them overcome these problems?
The two most prevalent challenges aside from the culture shock are accommodation and job opportunities. It takes about 12 months of stay in the UK for immigrants from Africa to adjust to the reality of monthly rental payments alongside the attendant utility bills and other bills. Also, not having the required job experience in the UK could be a barrier of entry to one’s most desired job. One would have to make do with what you can find whether or not it is in your area of interest and work your way up, gaining UK experience which will come in handy when applying for one’s desired job.

What can the government do to stem the excessive migration of its youths?
Government needs to provide employment and an enabling environment, because once people are done with university and can’t get a job, they will want to move to more enabling climes. It should ensure people are well paid for their job roles, provide a secure and an enabling environment; provide infrastructure like good hospitals, schools and insurance that covers almost everything. They go abroad regularly; these are the things they should emulate from the West.

Besides being a humanitarian, you have also been a pastor for almost three decades. Is this part of what guides you to doing what you do now?
Yes, I pastor one of the fastest growing churches in Manchester and I consider these gestures as integral parts of my ministry, as they are services to God and to humanity.
You said reading and knowledge can change the world and you have authored books to this effect. Who are these books meant for and what would readers gain from them?
I am often driven to audit my thoughts in written form to contribute and inspire a new generation of leaders both in the secular workplaces and in church settings. My first publication was in 2004, titled, Crossing the Hurdles of Life. I have since published several works some of which are currently available on Amazon namely, The Secret to Greatness, Practical Steps to Spiritual Growth and Development, and 40 Days of Double Honour and Wonders. These and many of my contents are inspired by divine revelation and insights that I have gained working with God. I aim through my books to positively influence several decades and generations now and long after me.

In addition to all you do, you are also a gospel musician. Tell us how the passion for ministering through songs came about?
Worship is my life, and music is one way I express this. I did not set out to be a musician but to communicate the heart of the father as instructed through melodies received in the place of prayers and gently whispered to me in dreams/trances. I can say that God has literally given me lyrics and melodies for the purpose of steering the earthly realm for the release of the supernatural. To God be the glory, the acceptance of my first music project, Cry Aloud, is a testament to God’s divine agenda. With the video about to be released, some songs within the project have also been used on select talk shows in the U.S. and I am just getting started.

As a career mentor and transformational leader, what advice would you give to young Nigerians who are at a crossroad today with everything happening around them?
Today more than any other time in human history, access to all sorts of information flood the internet, which means there are no longer barriers or limits to what one can accomplish. These times call for the reinvention of one ’s self to be the best version acceptable across any endeavour globally. It is no longer news that consistency, commitment and creativity in any chosen area of life will surely deliver the desired results. So, I will advise that you keep pushing, as you are closer to your breakthrough than you thought.

You preach the gospel of hard work and exemplify this by also running a business by the side. What can entrepreneurs in Nigeria do to remain and succeed in business?
The world we live in today is fast changing, hence there is a demand placed on all entrepreneurs to evolve with the times or be left behind in the dustbin of history. Businesses have to continually rethink themselves, products or service offering, their environment/market and most crucially their place in the scheme of things globally.

You also left Nigeria for the UK many years ago. Do you still have plans of coming back to settle here?
It depends on the leading of the Holy Spirit. I initially did not want to relocate to the UK because I had a thriving ministry in Nigeria but I was instructed by God to relocate. I am not tied to any location as I go wherever I am led to.

What changes would you like to see in Nigeria; what does the Nigeria of your dream look like?
Nigerians have survived the harshest climes and have emerged tops in any area globally. This same feat can equally be recorded at home if the environment is conducive. The government has an enormous responsibility to provide the needed infrastructure for sectors to thrive. This is beyond policymaking. Adherence to the rule of law and conscious bold steps towards implementation is at the core of reviving and resuscitating our ailing electoral institutions, economy, security and sundry structures. The Nigeria of my dream is one that is indivisible, bound together by mutual respect, tolerance, rewarding competence and hard work, equity and upholding the rule of law.