Ukraine and Russia War Story

Dreams are events that happen in your subconscious, yet something that feels real was an example of what I felt these past few days. Friends called a few weeks ago, saying the Ukraine and Russia are going to war.

That sounded very unrealistic, years ago this same information came but no war happened hence I was relaxed. Ukraine is my third home, the most memorable experience in my life was in the city of Kharkiv, the citizen's warm and loving kindness during the 5years of studying were exceptional. Mostly from my University “Kharkiv National Aerospace University” the same school my brothers attend. Until the bomb blast that occurred on Feb 24th, 2022 in Kyiv the capital of Ukraine. I immediately called my brothers asking if any fight or shooting was going on in their city, they said No. But something didn't feel right so I started marking evacuation plans for them.

Speaking with them the next day, both said we will rather fight with the Ukrainians than go back to Nigeria. That statement broke my heart because it meant my country Nigeria has failed its youth. After discussing intensively with them about how important returning home they agreed. Suddenly one of them realized his passport was missing from moving into the underground bunker. We began to make calls on how he could get a new passport by calling the Nigerian embassy office in Kyiv but no proper response, many of his friends were leaving. Insisting they left Kharkiv immediately, the war heated up that morning of their departure hence they took cover at the school underground bomb protection bunker with other foreigners for 4days. Each day they tried leaving, something always went wrong, asking them to stay more days was a nightmare for me as I hardly slept and was constantly calling friends and family I knew could be of help. At least the university provided food for them at the time.

Then I got a call from Mr. Ben Bruce who asked me to be the international anchor for Silverbird Tv where I could share my story and get others to do the same about their experience in the Ukraine and Russia war. At first, I thought it will be a walk in the pack but after my first interview, many students and parents start reaching out to me. Some crying, panicking and others asking for a solution. I called a good friend Doctor Lawson who is an education consultant, and he expressed his ordeal with parents and stranded students in Sumy. Following that interaction, we discovered other interesting individuals globally and in Ukraine that were involved in humanitarian service for stranded foreigners. Hence, we began sending personal financial assistance to those within Ukraine and the various borders as most Nigerian embassies failed to take care of their citizens. At some point, the task became overwhelming hence the decision to birth forth an NGO non-governmental organization called “Foreign Stranded Nigerians aid (FSNAid)” which will serve to resolve the concerns and issues of Nigerians affected by the war or stranded due to other situations beyond their control.