Can you picture this – you’re crammed shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers on a rickety boat, hoping it won’t become your watery coffin. The salty spray stinging your eyes, uncertainty gnawing at your gut. Hunger pangs are a constant companion, and sleep comes in stolen moments, haunted by the ever-present fear of unscrupulous smugglers or worse. This isn’t a scene from a high-seas adventure movie; it’s the harrowing reality faced by thousands of Nigerians every year who take a perilous leap of faith on irregular migration routes, often called “japa” in local slang, towards what they hope are greener pastures abroad.
Netflix’s “Oloture” series throws us headfirst into this world, using the fictional story of a journalist named Oloture to illuminate the harsh truths of irregular migration. But before we unpack the new series, let’s rewind a bit.
Die-hard Nollywood fans will remember the 2020 film “Oloture,” where our fearless heroine, played by the captivating Sharon Ooja, went undercover as a sex worker to expose a human trafficking ring. That film ended on a cliffhanger that left many viewers with furrowed brows: Oloture, having achieved her journalistic mission, is inexplicably heading to Europe. This decision to embark on a high-risk journey through the treacherous Sahara Desert, a nightmare route for many migrants, raises questions about her motivations.
“Oloture: The Journey” picks up right where the film left off. Oloture, stripped of her press credentials, former allies, and seemingly cut loose by her former publication, continues her journey towards Europe. This is where things get interesting – and a little frustrating. Our protagonist, who initially embarked on this dangerous voyage for an investigative purpose, seems to have forgotten her mission statement – or perhaps replanted it with a hefty dose of wanderlust. Despite the dangers and the fact that she already achieved her initial goal, Oloture keeps going.
While the series’ portrayal of Oloture’s choices might be a head-scratcher, it does one thing very well: shine a light on the nightmarish realities of irregular migration. We see Oloture encounter nightmarish situations – unscrupulous smugglers, fellow travelers driven to desperation, and the constant threat of violence from bandits and corrupt officials. Here, we’ll steer clear of graphic details, but trust us, the series paints a picture that’s far from a vacation brochure.
The allure of a better life abroad, often referred to as “japa” by young Nigerians, is a powerful motivator. But “Oloture: The Journey” serves as a stark reminder that the “japa” dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. The series doesn’t shy away from showcasing the physical dangers and potential exploitation migrants face on these treacherous routes. These journeys, which can last for months or even years depending on unforeseen circumstances, are often filled with perilous desert crossings, risky sea voyages in overcrowded and barely seaworthy vessels, and encounters with dangerous people who prey on the vulnerable.
Now, let’s be honest, “Oloture: The Journey” isn’t without its flaws. Eagle-eyed viewers might point out some continuity errors – the characters, besides Oloture, aren’t exactly fleshed out in detail, and the series prioritizes entertainment over in-depth character development. Some might argue this is a missed opportunity, but hey, at least we can’t say the series isn’t engaging!
The series ends on yet another cliffhanger, leaving us wondering about Oloture and her companions’ fate. Will they reach the shores of Europe, or will their journey end tragically? While the show doesn’t provide a definitive answer, it does spark important questions about the human cost of irregular migration.
“Oloture: The Journey” might be a fictional story, but it reflects a very real problem. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in 2021 alone, over 12,000 Nigerians arrived in Italy via irregular routes across the Mediterranean Sea. The dangers are undeniable – the IOM estimates that over 3,000 migrants from all over the world died on this route in 2023. These statistics paint a grim picture, but they are just a fraction of the story. Many more go missing in the vast expanse of the desert or are victims of violence and exploitation along the way.
This blog post isn’t meant to rain on anyone’s parade; we all have dreams and aspirations. But it’s crucial to acknowledge the dangers of irregular migration and seek safer, legal alternatives. Remember, there’s nothing glamorous about risking your life on a rickety boat. If you’re thinking about japa, do your research and explore authorized channels. Your future self will thank you.
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