The phrase "No child, no fortune" reflects the sentiments of individuals who, after spending significant time abroad, return to Nigeria without the personal or financial successes they had hoped for. A notable example is Pastor Joseph Ibironke, who left Nigeria in the 1980s, spending nine years in the United Kingdom and 21 years in the United States. During his time abroad, he worked as a security officer and ran an electronics business. He married an American woman and had four children. However, he fell ill with an undiagnosed condition that led to his return to Nigeria, where he found himself without resources and disconnected from his children.

Upon returning, Pastor Ibironke faced significant challenges, including homelessness and health issues. He spent time sleeping under bridges in Lagos until receiving assistance from a pastor who took him to a prayer mountain for recovery. Years later, his son, John Ibironke, who was only a few months old when his father left Nigeria, embarked on a search that led to their reunion in 2016.

This narrative underscores the complexities and potential hardships associated with long-term migration, highlighting the importance of maintaining familial connections and planning for eventual returns.