Japa not automatic escape from hardship

Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas is a British-born Nigerian from Ado-Ekiti. 

A former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) broadcaster, she moved to the United Kingdom over 30 years ago. Today, she’s an accomplished politician and the founder of the charities SFT Foundation Trust in the UK and Lilac Lily Image in Nigeria.

She served as President of the Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum (NWIDLF) for 10 years. She is the Chair of the African Achievers Awards (AAA), among other accomplishments and honours.

On Sunday July 26 2026, she held a thanksgiving service celebrating 16 years of public service at Methodist Church, Stoke Newton High Street, London.

In this interview with Sunday Sun, she spoke about herself and her journey so far in the UK.

You just had a thanksgiving service of a meritorious 16-year public service. What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for the trust that the people of Stoke Newington and Hackney placed in me and for the privilege of serving such a diverse and vibrant community for 16 years.

I am thankful for the many roles in which I was able to serve, including as a councillor, Civic Mayor and Cabinet Member. These responsibilities enabled me to contribute to policies and initiatives addressing community safety, violence against women and girls, youth violence, policing, social inequality and community cohesion.

I am grateful for the impact I had during my time in office. I was proud to achieve and contribute to a number of meaningful outcomes, including helping to shape and deliver key policies and initiatives focused on community safety, violence against women and girls, youth violence, policing, social inequality, and community cohesion. I also worked to secure support for local youth programmes, strengthen engagement between communities and the police, and champion initiatives that improved safeguarding, reduced crime, and enhanced the night-time economy, street trading, and environmental health.

I am also deeply grateful to my party, The Labour Party, family, friends, colleagues, community organisations and residents who supported, challenged and inspired me throughout the journey. Every achievement was made possible through partnership and collective effort.

Above all, I thank God for the strength, wisdom and grace to serve. The journey was not without challenges, but every experience helped me grow as a leader and strengthened my commitment to helping others.

To be recognised and accomplished in the UK must have taken a lot of sacrifices. What were the rules you laid down that helped you succeed?  

Yes, the journey required considerable sacrifice, discipline and perseverance. As a British-Nigerian woman building a life and career in the United Kingdom, I understood early that recognition would not come simply because I worked hard; I also had to be strategic, consistent and prepared to prove my ability.

One of my game-changing qualities was resilience. I refused to allow rejection, prejudice or setbacks to define me. I also remained authentic and connected to the community. I listened to people, kept my word and ensured that my leadership was rooted in service rather than personal ambition.

My background in broadcasting strengthened my communication skills, while my experience as a strategist and policymaker taught me to think beyond immediate problems, develop practical solutions and turn ideas into action.

Nigerians are being chased out and killed in different countries, including South Africa. What’s your advice?

This is a painful and complex issue, and we must avoid suggesting that Nigerians collectively are responsible for the hostility they sometimes experience abroad. Xenophobia, discrimination and violence against migrants are never acceptable, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

However, Nigerians living abroad also have responsibilities. We must respect the laws, cultures and institutions of our host countries, regularise our immigration status, contribute positively to local communities, and avoid allowing the actions of a small minority to be used to damage the reputation of millions of hardworking and law-abiding Nigerians.

We also need stronger unity within the Nigerian diaspora. Too often, we operate as individuals and polarised groups rather than building credible networks that can provide guidance, challenge misinformation, and respond effectively when Nigerians are threatened or unfairly treated. Our embassies and government must also be more proactive in protecting citizens, providing consular support, and engaging host governments diplomatically.

In addition, the Nigerian government must address the conditions that compel so many talented citizens to leave in search of security and opportunity. We must create jobs, strengthen institutions, improve public services and restore people’s confidence in the country.

My advice to Nigerians abroad is to be good ambassadors, work hard, obey the law, respect local communities and build meaningful partnerships. But we must also know our rights, speak out against injustice and never accept xenophobia as normal. Migration should promote shared prosperity and understanding, not division and hostility.

Every day, more young Nigerians are saving and planning to move abroad. What is your life-changing advice for any young person coming to UK to study or to work?

My life-changing advice to any young Nigerian planning to come to the UK will be to come with a clear purpose and a realistic plan, not merely because others are leaving. The UK offers valuable opportunities, but life here can also be expensive, demanding and lonely. Japa is not an automatic escape from hardship but the start of a different kind of journey. If you are coming to study, research your course, institution, visa conditions, employment prospects and cost of living thoroughly before travelling. Avoid taking on an unbearable financial burden for a qualification that may not lead to the career you want. Understand that you may initially have to work outside your profession, but do not lose sight of your long-term goals..

Develop skills relevant to the British employment market, communicate confidently, and build genuine professional networks. Respect the law, your visa restrictions and the culture of your host community. Seek help early when you are struggling and protect your physical and mental wellbeing.

Most importantly, maintain your dignity and identity. Do not compare your beginning with someone else’s success story on social media. Be disciplined with money, remain focused and avoid shortcuts that could destroy your reputation or immigration status.

Come prepared to learn, contribute and grow, not merely to relocate for financial gain. With resilience, patience, integrity and the right support network, the experience can transform your life. Be warned, success abroad requires sacrifice, careful planning and consistent hard work.

You are a very elegant woman. What is your style preference?

Thank you. That is very kind of you. My style preference is elegant, colourful and confident. I trained as an image consultant, so I understand how personal presentation can communicate confidence, identity and purpose before a person even speaks.

I often say that I love to speak with colours. Vibrant colours reflect my personality, optimism and African heritage, while the right choice of clothing helps me express how I feel and the message I want to convey. For public engagements, I prefer outfits that are polished, dignified and comfortable, whether I am wearing traditional Nigerian attire or contemporary British fashion.

For me, style is not simply about expensive clothing or following trends. It is about understanding what suits you, dressing appropriately for the occasion and presenting yourself with grace and authenticity. Ultimately, true elegance comes from confidence, kindness and being comfortable in your own skin.

What beauty routines do you stick to maintain a young look?

My beauty routine is built on consistency and self-care. I exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, try to eat sensibly and get enough rest whenever my schedule allows. I believe that looking good begins with taking care of your overall health and wellbeing.

I follow a regular facial-cleansing routine and always keep my skin clean and well moisturised. I also love make-up, not to hide who I am, but to enhance my features, express my personality and complete my look. Well-maintained nails are equally important to me because good grooming lies in the details.

As a trained image consultant, I understand the impact of personal presentation. However, maintaining a youthful appearance goes beyond beauty products. Faith, laughter, gratitude, a positive outlook, and surrounding myself with uplifting people all play an important role. When you have inner peace, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose, that beauty naturally radiates outward